People in Tumbler Ridge, BC, have been asked to stop temporarily use washing machines, dishwasher and sprinkle after a weekend apartment, firefighters forced firefighters to extract a lot from the water supply from the community.
The fire exploded on Saturday at the Spieker Apartments building and quickly wrapped 51 units. The flames also extended to nearby forests, of which the public has been asked to stay away due to the risk that weakened trees fall due to strong winds.
The fire occurred when nearby forest fires have forced evacuations and cut road trips, partially fed by a ongoing drought that is entering its third year.
Mayor Darryl Krakowka He says that no injuries were reported in the fire, but that having so many people displaced in the small community of just over 2,300 people in the northeast of British Columbia were impacting the entire municipality.
“It is a very small and very united community and for me it is the family,” he said. “I want to make sure they know that the whole community is here for them.”
The food and clothing units, as well as fundraising efforts are underway, but due to the small size of Tumbler Ridge, some displaced residents have to look for support services in the neighboring community of Dawson Creek, about 100 kilometers away by road.
In addition, the effort to combat the fire, which included monitoring during the night for fire in the nearby forest during the weekend, has exhausted the water supply of the district.
“Our water deposits are extremely low due to continuous fire extinction efforts, and conservation is fundamental at this time,” the district said in a written update published on Facebook on Sunday.
“We are asking all residents to restrict the use of water immediately, including interior uses, such as washing machines, dishwasher and non -essential activities.”
The update also said that the community is still working to obtain a clear image of how many people have been displaced.
Fire Chief Dustin Curry said exhaustion was only due to the BC’s Fire Fire Service Service Teams use other water sources.
Tumbler Ridge is among numerous communities in the northeast of British Columbia under a significant threat of forest fires, since the region enters its third consecutive year of significant drought conditions, which makes the area extremely susceptible to burns.
The forest fire teams in the region are dealing with several significant fires, including the close forest fire of the Kiskatinaw river, which has forced the evacuation of Kelly Lake, 81 kilometers east of Tumbler Ridge.
That fire moves east and has spread to Alberta.
