Kootenay East MLA Tom Shypitka is praising firefighting crews and the community for their efforts and solidarity amid a record-breaking wildfire season.
Shypitka said the support given to the ʔaq̓am community and those impacted by the St. Mary River wildfire has been uplifting.
“The Wildfire Service reacted immediately, we had great support from the Regional District of East Kootenay, and we had all kinds of resources come from not only all over B.C., but throughout the world,” said Shypitka. “That coordinated effort is paying off. We’re not out of the woods yet, but I think we avoided something that could have been a lot more catastrophic.”
The fire broke out on Monday, July 17 when strong winds knocked over some power lines along Mission Wasa Low Road and sparked a fire.
Since then, it has grown to 4,640 hectares and burned down seven homes.
The fire is now classified as ‘being held,’ which means the BC Wildfire Service does not expect the fire to grow beyond containment lines under the current conditions.
Shypitka extended his praise to community members who helped out amid the worst of the blaze.
“I just want to thank, not only the fire service support members, but also some local businesses who stepped up and provided shelter and food. There was some really great community effort that was put into this.”
More: St. Mary Wildfire information hub