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Thursday, July 16, 2015
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WILDFIRES
VOL. 33 Number 29
EDITORIAL
Cooler temperatures have helped firefighters battling several the wildfires in the region. P
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Drought is predicted to result in a hay shortage this fall, which in turn will likely drive the prices upward.
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COMMUNITY Inaugural art and collectibles show a great success.
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Potential large fire averted
Wing Night
Wednesday 5 - 8 pm
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ANDREW TRIPP
Thursday, Registration 6:30 pm
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Saturday, July 25 8:30 pm Family Friendly • Rooms Available
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Bob Bugeaud 250-449-1982
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KELOWNA (Wstbrg)
Boundary Creek Times Reporter
A grass fire that broke out last Tuesday, July 7 on Kerr Creek Ranch on Highway 3 between Midway and Greenwood could have proven much more damaging than it did were it not for the swift actions of a passing RCMP officer and the speedy containment of the fire by Midway and Greenwood firefighters. Likely caused by sparks from a piece of haying equipment, the fire was initially contained by the haying contractor and passing motorists, but a sudden gust of wind blew the flames down field and the blaze quickly became out of control. The RCMP officer who was patrolling the area stopped and radioed for the fire department. Ranch owner Ian Williams said, “This was extremely fortunate, because cell service is still not available in our area, making calling 911 for help unavailable.” The Greenwood and Midway volunteer fire departments quickly arrived and managed to contain the fire. Cleanup took several hours. Williams added, “I would like to thank the members of the Midway and Greenwood fire departments for their service to the community as well as their quick response to this particular emergency. I would also like to thank the RCMP member and passersby that stopped to assist in battling the flames. This fire could have been disastrous for the area if it had spread and is a reminder of how dry our land is this time of year.”
City celebrates its beginnings Two clowns led the parade procession at Greenwood’s Founder’s Day last Saturday. They danced their way along the route while throwing candy to the kids! See page A16 for more photos. PHOTO: ANDREW TRIPP
Located in Westbridge and proud to service the area
1-250-446-6808
River levels dangerously low
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CRAIG LINDSAY
Boundary Creek Times Contributor
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24543 16681
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A charred stump stands amidst the scorched hay field at Kerr Creek Ranch. Owner Ian Williams commends police and firefighters for their quick actions.
loans for all purposes
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a new purchase or unexpected expenses. we have a loan product for all your needs
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Boundary Branch C REDIT U NION West Castlegar West Boundary Branch
C REDIT U NION TRADITIONAL SERVICE PERSON NLINE ININ TRADITIONAL SERVICE PERSON &&OO NLINE
The extreme heat and lack of precipitation in B.C. is not only causing wildfires, it is also playing havoc with
256256 Copper, 76box #S. 100 630 -Box 17th Street, S. -Copper, p.o. 76, Castlegar, B.C. V1N Greenwood, b.c. voh ijo Greenwood, BC V0H 1J04G7 phone: 250-365-7232 Phone: 250-445-9900 Tel: 250-445-9900 Fax: 250-365-2913 Fax: 250-445-9902 Fax: 250-445-9902
Slocan valley 3014 Hwy 6, P.O. Box 39, Slocan Park, B.C. V0G 2E0 Tel: 250-226-7212 Fax: 250-226-7351
online: www.heritagecu.ca a
rivers and wildlife. The provincial government has announced a level three drought rating for the region and taken the additional action of suspending fishing in streams
• See RIVER LEVELS page A7