Wildfire disappears near Kelona Airport: strategic withdrawal or suspended flights amid fire efforts – Video
On Sunday, a fast -moving wildfire behind the Kelona International Airport in British Columbia inspired strategic withdrawal, frozen dozens of flights, and led a temporary shutdown of the airport airspace, confirmed by local authorities.Blaze ignited the Alison region north of the airport, and spread quickly due to dry conditions. The British Columbia Wildfire Service deployed air tankers, helicopters and ground crew, while joining local fire departments.A forest fire called the vehel creek is now being organized.The BC wildfire service now estimates the fire to be 4.31 hectares of size.Fire fighting officer Callie Nessman said, “We have three initial attack crew, two solo resources, two helicopter buckets and we also have four air tankers on the site, but they have fulfilled and grounded their objectives.”Nessman said that by Sunday evening, a unit crew of about 20 personnel was expected to arrive. The BC Wildfire Service is supporting Alison Fire Department, which remains the major agency.The firefighters of Kelona, Lake Country, Joe Rich, North Westside and Wilson’s landing departments also responded to forest fire on Sunday afternoon.“The fire is currently burning from rank 2 to 3, which sometimes indicates a surface fire with a length of candling and indicates the rate of a slower to medium rate,” the Nessman explained.As soon as the flames contact the residential areas, Kelona RCMP operated strategic, door-to-door withdrawal in several areas including Rocfes Road, Upper Booth Road and Dead Pine Road. About 10 withdrawals were recorded at the Bezle Community Center in the nearby Lake Country.Due to the proximity of the fire, the Kelona International Airport suspended suspended operations, which shut down to shut down the airspace, allowing fire fighting aircraft to allow unrestricted access. More than 25 commercial flights were canceled or delayed.The residents were urged to stay out of the affected areas and follow the emergency instructions. Police and emergency respondents maintained a huge attendance to ensure security and implement withdrawal orders.The cause of forest fire was going on at the time of reporting. Officials said that while there was no major injury, the situation remained dynamic and subject to change based on weather conditions.Passengers were advised to investigate with airlines and monitor the official airport channels for updates. Officials said that more information about control progress in upcoming briefing and any additional withdrawal orders would be shared.
