Extreme Forest Fire Risk

Many regions of our province are experiencing high temperatures and a lack of rain. As happens every summer, these conditions result in extreme forest fire hazards. As of this writing, there is a fire in the Lillooet area that is causing great concern because of the terrain. There is also the possibility of thunderstorms through the Interior later today. Please pray with us that those who are fighting fires will be kept safe, that no property damage will result from any fires currently burning and that the expected thunderstorms later today will bring only much needed rain.


Heavenly Father, You rule over the weather and it is subject to Your command. Lord you know that it is very hot and dry in many parts of our province. While we enjoy the summer weather, we also recognize that the forests are very dry and the fire hazard is extreme. We ask today that you will protect our forests and spare us from serious fires at this time. We pray that the expected storms in the Interior this afternoon and evening will only bring much needed rain.

We ask this in Jesus Name, Amen

Fire in Armstrong!

An accident has started a large fire in a hog field at the Tolko sawmill in Armstrong, B.C.  The BC Ministry of Forestry was called at around 3 p.m.  Armstrong Mayor Chris Pieper saw a plume of smoke around 4 p.m. and drove to the scene.  “It was a big fire,” Pieper said. “It's not a little fire. The hog field pile — the bark debris from the barking operations — that was what was on fire. There were some logs from the log yard on fire as well. I didn't see any buildings on fire.”

It is believed the flames spread into several spot fires. RCMP have forced the evacuation of a trailer park on the other side of the street from Highway 97A and closed a five-kilometre section of the highway in both directions.

The BC Ministry of Forestry is on site with 11 firefighters, two helicopters and fixed-wing air tankers. The RCMP and firefighters from surrounding detachments, including Vernon, Swan Lake and Enderby are also battling the blaze.

An emergency centre has been set up at Spallumcheen municipal hall.

Canadian-owned Tolko Industries Ltd. is major producer of and marketer of lumber, veneer, plywood, oriented strand board and kraft papers, with manufacturing operations across Western Canada, according to the company's website.

Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Major+fire+Armstrong+sawmill+trailer+park+evacuations+underway/3264272/story.html#ixzz0tQtRFxmr