raging fire

in a press release that when fire crews arrived Moore’s house was fully engulfed.

Fire crews had to work hard to keep the blaze from spreading to neighbouring homes.

“I want to acknowledge the support of the public and their diligence in reporting the fire early, along with the tremendous work by all of the responding firefighters who were able to keep the fire contained to the single residence in these tinder-dry conditions,” said Advocaat.

In total, 18 firefighters were involved in battling the flames. The news release stated the three occupants of the home were able to exit safely and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Sergeant Ed deJong Columbia Valley RCMP

This past week, July 17 to July 23, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 107 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to:

On July 19, police responded to a single-vehicle collision on Highway 93 near the Alberta border. The report stated a fuel truck had gone off the road on a curve and exploded. Upon attendance the tanker truck was found fully engulfed in flames. Banff fire crews managed to contain the fire to the vehicle, preventing the spread of the fire into the surrounding forested area. Unfortunately the driver and sole occupant of the truck was found deceased at the scene.

On July 21, Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a house fire in the 4800 block of Riverview Drive in Edgewater. Members attended to support the local fire crews with traffic and pedestrian control. Police learned the fire started in the basement and quickly spread fully engulfing the structure. All residents were able to escape without injuries.

Over the weekend, Columbia Valley RCMP issued two 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibitions (IRPs) for drivers who were found to be impaired by alcohol. Members also responded to a report of an impaired boater; however, the suspect had left the area and could not be located. With the higher temperatures and sunny skies, police would like to remind people that if you plan on consuming alcohol, make other arrangements to get home. An impaired driving or boating charge is a sure way to ruin a summer vacation or otherwise great day enjoying all that the valley has to offer.

Lake Windermere Pulse Check

www.lakeambassadors.ca

Submitted by Lake Windermere Ambassadors, July 18, 2023

Average Water Temperature: 20.9

Average Water Depth (m): 3.85

Average Turbidity (NTU): 1.43

Average D.O. (mg/L): 8.0

Average pH (H+): 8.2

Our team had a calm and beautiful morning to sample.

The water level is lower than previous years so remember to boat in the deeper spots. We would like to thank our awesome citizen scientists Gavin and Vivian for helping us sample. We still have spots open to volunteers that would like to join us on the boat on Tuesdays for water sampling. To join please email Jacob at Intern@lakeambassadors.ca

Thanks to our sponsors: Columbia Basin Trust, Totem Charitable Foundation, BC Gaming, District of Invermere, Regional District of East Kootenay, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Columbia Valley Community Foundation, Columbia Valley Local Conservation Foundation, and British Columbia Conservation Foundation.