Fire along train tracks in B.C.’s East Kootenay region prompts evacuation

A fire along the railway tracks in the East Kootenay region of B.C. forced an evacuation of a mobile home park Thursday.

About 50 residents of the Caithness Mobile Home Park in the Galloway area, between Jaffray and Elko,were told to leave immediately and go to nearby Elko.

The rail line runs alongside Highway 3 and this fire is being called the Kikomun Creek fire. It is located about 6.5 km northwest of Elko, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.

The Regional District of East Kootenay’s South Country Fire Services, BC Wildfire crews and additional resources are on the scene.

The B.C. Wildfire Service said it is supporting the Elko Fire Department to fight the fire, which is estimated to be 0.6 hectares at this time.

The service said there is an initial attack crew currently on the scene, being supported by a helicopter bucketing and air tanker retardant drops.

On Friday, the wildfire service said it is making good progress on fighting the fire.

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A reception centre is also being set up.

The cause of the fire is under investigation but the B.C. Wildfire Service said the fire danger in that area is very high right now.

More to come.