FireSmart Community Event

Agenda

June 7th, 4:30 - 6:00pm

Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park Day Shelter

1. Welcome (Jacquie Brugger)
2. FireSmart, fire brigade, new grant/funding (Clay Govett)
3. Fire mitigation plans - Land and Resource Coordinator wildfire risk reduction program Thompson Rivers district (Gwen Hetherington)
4. New logging behind the old ski hill, subdivision and area - BC Tiber Sales 
5. TNRD FireSmart  (Dan Funk)

Provincial State of Emergency & Travel Restrictions

https://news.gov.bc.ca/29391

Provincial State of Emergency: https://news.gov.bc.ca/29389

Emergency order frees up accommodation for evacuees, emergency personnel

To help ensure accommodation is available for critical-response personnel and the tens of thousands of people evacuated due to wildfires, the Province is restricting travel for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation in several communities in the Okanagan.

“Our Province is facing the worst wildfire season in our history. Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated and crews on the ground are battling to save people’s homes,” said Premier David Eby. “We’re grateful for everyone who has listened to our call to change plans and not travel in the central Interior and the southeast. But very large numbers of people are evacuated in the Okanagan and we especially need more accommodation there. This order will help ensure we have accommodation available for the people who need it in this time of crisis.”

The Province is introducing a new order under the provincial state of emergency. Under this order, effective today until end of day on Sept. 4, 2023, people may not stay in temporary accommodations for non-essential purposes in several communities. This includes hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, RV parks, and campgrounds.

This order applies to temporary accommodation in the following cities:

• Kelowna-West Kelowna;
• Kamloops;
• Oliver;
• Osoyoos;
• Penticton; and
• Vernon.

“We’re repeating our call for people to not travel to the central Interior and southeastern B.C. – and we need people to cancel any non-essential travel that takes up accommodation in communities in the Okanagan,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “This new order will ensure that accommodation is available for evacuees and critical-response personnel like firefighters and health-care workers. We are working closely with the BC Hotel Association to quickly secure accommodations as they become available and are grateful for the industry’s co-operation in supporting people in our communities.”

The order does not impact travel through to other regions, but the Province is calling on everyone to avoid non-essential travel to the central Interior and southeast to ensure roadways are kept clear for emergency-response operations, including further evacuations. People should check information from the BC Wildfire Service, EmergencyInfoBC and DriveBC before heading out.

Essential travel includes:

• providing emergency or critical services;
• travelling for health or medical reasons;
• transporting essential goods and supplies;
• attending court or complying with a court order;
• attending a funeral service;
• avoiding the risk of abuse or violence;
• exercising parental responsibilities;
• attending classes or training; and
• exercising an Aboriginal or treaty right.

Notice: Public Meeting Regarding Planned Suppression Activities

 Notice: Lac Le Jeune Community Meeting

Emergency Information, News, Press Release / August 9, 2023 

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD), in partnership with the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), will be hosting a public meeting for residents of Lac Le Jeune on the evening of Thursday, August 10, 2023.

As the main purpose of this meeting, BCWS staff will provide a presentation on upcoming planned suppression activities on the Ross Moore Lake wildfire, including planned ignitions on the southwest flank to eliminate fuel from within the fire’s perimeter.

Staff from the BCWS and the TNRD Emergency Operations Centre will be in attendance and will be able to answer questions from residents.

When: Thursday, August 10, 2023, 6:30 pm

Where: Lac Le Jeune Nature Resort, 5665 Lac Le Jeune Rd

For residents who cannot attend in person, a link to attend the meeting virtually can be provided upon request. If you plan to attend virtually, please email eoccommunications@tnrd.ca. To reduce bandwidth on the livestream, residents who are attending virtually are asked to make sure that their camera is turned off. Please also make sure that your microphone is muted unless you are about to ask a question and are called upon.

For updates about wildfire activity, including the Ross Moore Lake Wildfire, please continue to visit the BC Wildfire Service Wildfires Map.

For more information on emergency notices within the TNRD, and to access the interactive Emergency Map, visit: tnrd.ca/emergency.

---

Contact:

Emergency Operations Centre
Thompson-Nicola Regional District
Tel.: 250-377-7188
emergency@tnrd.ca

Notice to all residents regarding wildfire mitigation work

This notice was sent out to some residents via email.

---

To All Residents of Lac Le Jeune
Re: Lac le Jeune Ski Hill Wildfire Mitigation Works

As many of you are aware, harvesting equipment has been moved to the ski hill area in the past week and you may be wondering what is going on. The owners of the ski hill and Lac le Jeune Resort have put together a plan to reduce the risk of wildfire to both their private lands and the community of Lac le Jeune as a whole. After the recent wildfire season and the two biggest fire years in 2017 and 2018 in BC’s history, this is a welcome development. Forests within the ski hill lands and adjacent Crown lands are considered to have some of the highest wildfire hazards in the Kamloops region due to the very high, natural densities of pine with approximately 10-20% of the pine infested with mountain pine beetle in 2006 and 2007 which is now dead and dry. This dead timber is now falling out and contributing to significant surface fuel loading that is the key ingredient to intense and fast moving wildfires.  

The first phase of this plan is to strategically harvest timber from the area that will remove the majority of the fuel. The plan is not to clear cut the whole area but to cut patches and strips and to leave enough timber to maintain some of the aesthetics of the area. The stream that drains north to the small lake on the west side of the ski hill will also have a significant no-harvest buffer to protect this feature.  

The second phase will consist of machine raking and piling residual fuels after the harvesting is complete as well as spacing and pruning other sites where the timber is too small to be harvested. This work may start in conjunction with the harvesting, depending on snow levels, and will continue next summer and fall and to be completed prior to next winter.

All residents are asked to refrain from entering or using these private lands while harvesting activities are ongoing. Operations involving heavy equipment are inherently dangerous and you will put yourself at severe risk by being in proximity of the equipment. Information will be posted at the main entrance and other signage will be posted at all known access locations/trails. Please see attached map.
Work is scheduled to begin Dec 14, 2021 and will run to at least Dec 24, 2021 and possibly longer.  A notice will be sent out informing residents when operations are complete.

Thank you for your cooperation. 

 

 

 

Evacuation orders and alerts in surrounding area

Logan Lake was placed on evacuation order at 15:30 this afternoon (August 12, 2021), and the surrounding area that extends toward Melba Creek Road is now on evacuation alert. 

Continue to check TNRD emergency services for updates on evacuation alerts and updates.  

If you have not already done so, download the Voyent app so that you will receive notifications if Lac Le Jeune is included in an evacuation alert or order.

An important tip: Keep you vehicles fuelled up! If evacuated, you may be on the road longer than you anticipate, and gas stations in the surrounding area could run out of fuel. 

If Lac Le Jeune in notified of evacuation alert or order, be sure to spread the word to your neighbours. Do you have a community contact list? This list is prepared by Steve Roy through the Lac Le Jeune Conservation Association. If you don't have an up-to-date list or need to add/change your contact information, send email to laclejeune@laclejeune.ca 

What you should do if placed on evacuation alert, from the TNRD website: 

• Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Order be called while separated.
• Pack essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g. insurance, credit, and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependents and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.
• Prepare to move disabled persons, children and/or neighbours, if assistance is needed.
• Prepare to take pets with you and move livestock to a safe area (if possible).
• Arrange transportation for all your household members. Fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles.
• Arrange accommodation for all members of the residence, if possible.
• Wait for an Evacuation Order to be issued before evacuating. Monitor for information on evacuation orders and location of Reception Centres.

Evacuation Plan for Lac Le Jeune

A final step, if you have time. Photo by Sylvia Currie.

Here is the most recent evacuation plan for Lac Le Jeune: 

LAC LE JEUNE – MILE HIGH – MAMIT LAKE – HIGHLAND VALLEY EVACUATION PLAN (2016 - PDF)

It is an updated version of the 2013 document available on the TNRD website. There have been a few additional minor modifications but this is the document available at this time. 

In addition to this document, TNRD advises the following (received via telephone):

• Make sure we have visible address signs. (The RCMP notify by our street address, so lack of address signage can slow down the notification process.)
• Have a meet up plan for your family, especially if you have children that might be at home alone. It can be a meeting place or everyone check in with one family member. It can be really distressing for all involved if there is delays in families reuniting. 
• Sign up for the Voyent Alert System. The TNRD send out urgent emergency information this way. 
• Review the emergency preparedness information on the TNRD website. 
• Review the evacuation alert/order procedures so you are prepared with the information in advance. 

As Lac Le Jeune community members are aware, there is only one obvious exit from Lac Le Jeune. We have been advised by TNRD that there are contingency plans for this depending on where a fire might be.

Thank you to Corinne Shock for connecting with RCMP and TNRD to gather this information for our community.

All Terrain Vehicles - Wildfire Risks

Given the current weather conditions now is a good time to remind residents and visitors to our community that driving any type of vehicle off road is very risky. Hot mufflers and exhaust residue can ignite grass. For everyone's safety, please wait until we have cooler temperatures and precipitation before heading out on dirt bikes and other vehicles, and operating a chainsaw. 

This advice and infographic is from BC Wildfire Service. 

Halloween 2020

This is a summary of activities and tips I've heard from residents. I'm also including tips to decrease the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19, along with other general safety information.

• The Halloween Goblin Wagon will once again be touring the neighbourhoods!
• Plan for approximately 30 trick-or-treaters.
• Provide well-lit self-serve outdoor treat stations. 
• This is an excellent safety list from BC Centre for Disease Control
• There will be a fireworks display on Water Street at 7:30 and residents are encouraged to watch from a distance. If you're planning your own fireworks display, please keep to the 7:30 schedule that's already been established.
• Keep your pets indoors and ensure all escape routes are closed off. When terrified by noise from fireworks, animals may bolt and NEVER find their way back home. 
• If your pets are stressed, stay with them.
• Nix the fake spider web decorations; birds and small animals can get wrapped up in it.
• Pumpkins attract bears so bring them indoors at the end of the evening.

Sylvia

Reminder about lake speed limits!

The speed limit for motorized boats is 20 km/hour. It can be tempting to travel at a higher speed if you have a large motor, but please reserve that temptation for visits to larger lakes! 

This speed limit is set to protect our shoreline habitat, but it also ensures our shared recreational swimming, paddling, and fishing activities are more enjoyable and safe for all. 

Caution! Sharp metal pieces on our streets

Be careful when out on your bicycles or walking your dogs! Residents are finding these metal spiral pieces all over our streets, likely from the street sweepers on the weekend. 

Moose in mourning

Snapshot from Steve Roy's webcam http://www.laclejeune.ca

What started as a shared moose-spotting from Steve Roy's webcam in our Lac Le Jeune community group soon turned to a tragic story as residents chimed in with reports of a drowned calf.

A moose and calf have been frequent visitors to Provincial Park and east end of the lake for the last few months. Earlier this week the calf fell through a hole in the lake, apparently at a weak spot created by otters. Three men pulled the calf out but sadly it was too late. The distraught mother has been pacing the area since the incident.

Photo by Sandra Putnam

Sandra Putnam and her pug fell in the same hole on the weekend. Luckily Sandra caught herself waist deep and was able to get them both out to safety. She cautions that piles of dirt on the lake are likely caused by otters leaving a hole. These holes can then get covered with snow so it's difficult to know where they're located.

~Sylvia Currie~

Let's talk about fireworks

Photo by Alexander Kagan on Unsplash

Aside from the mention of fireworks in the context of fire bans, we haven't shared very much on the Lac Le Jeune blog about this practice. There was one post to pass along advice from the SPCA for keeping pets safe. Then there were several reminders about the dangers of fireworks, but all related to wildfires. We haven't really addressed fireworks in the context of noise pollution and the impact on humans, pets, and wildlife. Given the firework activity during the holidays, including Christmas Eve, it seems like a good time to raise awareness.

Fireworks are a common form of celebration, obviously enjoyed by many. In Lac Le Jeune we have a long-time tradition of fireworks to bring in the new year. Some years we hear fireworks on halloween night and during Canada Day celebrations if weather/wildfire situation permits. In any case, the dates and times we could expect to hear fireworks have always been fairly predictable.

This winter there has been both scheduled and random firework activity. In some cases residents have made an effort to warn others through the LLJ Facebook group. Thank you! This is helpful for those of us who need to prepare our pets.

How do you help nervous pets?

It's multi-step and time-sensitive. You can download an entire book on the subject, but here's a quick list is from my own experience.

1. Get a thundershirt or other body wrap on well before the fireworks begin
2. Ensure all escape routes are closed off -- pets may bolt and NEVER return
3. Help pets gain access to locations where they can feel less traumatized -- e.g. basement, under a bed, corner of a bathroom -- there's something appealing about tile floors.
4. Play calming/drowning music. Vivaldi works for us.
5. Stay with them!
6. Help them recuperate (which is why it's helpful to know when the fireworks are going to end). I use treats and play.

What's it like for wildlife?

This is a well researched topic. The issues are too many to list -- permanent hearing loss, nesting animals flee,  panicked and disoriented animals get separated from their young, death from impact with buildings and traffic... and so on.

Trends 

What is the appeal of fireworks? Noise for some, but there is also the spectacular light display. I don't know if we have these spectacular displays in Lac Le Jeune because I'm in the basement :) However, some cities like Banff have implemented silent light shows.

Complete bans on the sale and use of fireworks are being implemented around the world because of the negative impact on wildlife.

What's legal?

There are no no bylaws governing fireworks in the Thompson Nicola Regional District. There is a bylaw regarding "excessive and persistent" noise. I don't expect it would ever come to that but it's good to know there is some recourse. And if we do feel there should be a specific fireworks bylaw this is something we can work toward.

Other solutions?

Personally I prefer a more community-oriented approach which involves education to raise awareness about the downside of fireworks. I've contacted WildSafeBC to see if there are any resources and programs in place.

What's the ask? 

Nobody wants to be the fun police! My attitude is occasional noise in our community is fine as long as it's about having fun. Even though I don't personally understand the appeal of fireworks I appreciate that others enjoy them. A lot! So the ask is the same for any type of noise and for any day or occasion:

Consider celebrating with everyone in mind. 

In that vein, Christmas Eve is definitely not the time for fireworks. Let's not do that again, ok?

Sylvia Currie

Moose alert

Keep an eye out when in and around the provincial park campsite area. Yesterday Dana Mattice was charged by a cow moose protecting her calf. 

Not the actual moose :) 

Fuel Modification: Step 1 - Wildfire Prevention Plan

Photo by Ivana Cajina on Unsplash

As we continue efforts for fuel modification in our community, we will be working on an up-to-date Wildfire Prevention Plan.

We are looking for volunteers to assist with this process. There are several resources available and models to follow from communities that have been successful in implementing an effective program.

If you are interested in becoming involved please contact Contact Clay Govett at gmail dot com

Bear spray workshop for outdoor enthusiasts

We are coordinating a workshop in collaboration with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District WildSafeBC Community Program for Lac Le Jeune residents to learn how to use bear spray effectively.

The workshop will be held on Thursday, September 13th, 4:00 - 6:00pm. Topics to address include:
- what bear spray is
- how and what to purchase
- proper storage when at home or travelling
- proper deployment of the spray (allowing everyone to deploy inert bear spray for practice)

There will be a nominal fee based on the number of participants. It is payable on the day of the workshop. The cost of each can of inert training bear spray for a group of 4 people to practice with is $25.

Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a guardian and must show respectful maturity when using inert bear spray.

By completing this registration form you are stating that you are interested and available at this date and time. If there are any changes to your circumstances please email sylvia.currie at gmail dot com.

You will be contacted closer to the workshop date with further information about venue and what to expect.

 

Category 2 open fire bans in place -- includes fireworks

From the BC Wildfire Services:

It’s almost the Canada Day long weekend, and we know many people are making plans to celebrate – which may mean using fireworks. But did you know that firework bans have been implemented alongside Category 2 and 3 open fire bans?

Current Category 2 open fire bans are in place in the Cariboo, Kamloops, and Coastal Fire Centres (excluding the Haida Gwaii Natural Resource District and the Fog Zone). The Cariboo, Kamloops, and Southeast Fire Centres additionally have Category 3 open fire bans at this time.

Setting off fireworks is considered to be a high-risk activity, since they can easily ignite forest fuels and start a wildfire.

Click on image for a larger view

News Release: Tougher off-road vehicle rules and new fines to reduce wildfire risks

News Release: Tougher off-road vehicle rules and new fines to reduce wildfire risks

https://news.gov.bc.ca/16680

Effective immediately, the British Columbia government has increased some wildfire-related penalties up to $100,000, to assist with fire prevention and discourage irresponsible off-road vehicle use, Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, announced today.

“These changes reflect the tougher stand that our government is taking to eliminate unnecessary wildfire risks, encourage compliance, protect communities from harm and help keep British Columbians safe,” said Donaldson.

Spark arrestors required for off-road vehicles (ORVs):

• All off-road vehicles are now required to have a spark arrestor installed to reduce wildfire risks when operating on Crown land. A spark arrestor is a small screen or other device that is installed in an exhaust system to stop sparks or other exhaust residue from exiting the tailpipe.
• Many new models of ORVs already have a spark arrestor. Owners of older models that do not have spark arrestors will need to get them installed if they wish to operate the ORV on Crown land.
• A contravention could result in a violation ticket fine of $460 or an administrative monetary penalty of up to $10,000 if an ORV without a spark arrestor is operating at a time or place where there is a risk of a wildfire starting.
• If a wildfire starts, the operator could receive a violation ticket fine of $575, an administrative monetary penalty of up to $10,000, or a court fine up to $1,000,000 and/or up to three years in jail. The person responsible could also be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

Increased or additional fines for wildfire-related infractions:

• The Wildfire Regulation has been amended to add a new administrative monetary penalty up to $100,000 for violations related to utility transmission operations. Examples would be when a wildfire is started by a downed power line, or when vegetation near a utility line has not been adequately maintained and a tree falls on an energized line, starting a fire. Similar provisions are in place for other industrial activities, so this amendment makes the Wildfire Regulation consistent across the sector.
• The Wildfire Regulation has been amended to add a new administrative monetary penalty up to $10,000 for not complying with a stop-work order. This change will give the Province additional compliance and enforcement options to deal with people who continue to engage in a high-risk activity after a stop-work order has been issued.
• The Violation Ticket Administration and Fines Regulation has been amended to increase three fines for contraventions of the Wildfire Act. The cost of a contravention will increase from $767 to $1,150 for:
  • failing to comply with restricted area requirements;
  • failing to comply with an order restricting an activity or use; and
  • failing to comply with an order to leave a specified area.

Follow the latest B.C. wildfire news:

• On Twitter: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
• On Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Bears around Lac Le Jeune

Residents have spotted bears in and around Lac Le Jeune in the past couple of weeks. There was a bear grazing along Ridgemont earlier today. With the very dry weather the bears are no doubt coming to lower ground in search of food.

It's not unusual for bears to move through the community in search of food. As long as they continue to eat vegetation, insects, and small rodents and NOT garbage or other human-caused attractants, there will be no conflict.

Please check the WildSafeBC website to learn about black bear habits and behaviour, and how to keep everyone safe.

Declaration of State of Local Emergency

This TNRD declaration of state of local emergency pertains to Electoral Area J. A state of local emergency provides the TNRD with the authority to use necessary resources and to perform emergency work related to wildfires in the area.

Currently there are 14 wildfires larger than 0.01 hectares in Kamloops Fire Centre. This includes 1  fire of note: Elephant Hill (05/08/2017 15:26)

Off-road vehicles restricted in backcountry

While it seems like common sense during an extreme fire status, use of motorized vehicles and equipment in dry grass is extremely risky. Last weekend we witnessed someone riding a motorcycle up and down the Lac Le Jeune ski hill. Thankfully, this type of activity is now officially banned. 

Residents, please do not hesitate to call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277 to report any motorized off-road activity.  

====================================NEWS RELEASE==============================

8/4/2017 11:00 AM

KAMLOOPS - Effective at noon (Pacific time) on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, the operation of any off-road vehicle for recreational purposes on Crown land will be prohibited throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre, Kamloops Fire Centre and Southeast Fire Centre. In addition, all on-highway vehicles must remain on defined road surfaces. This step is being taken to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. The operation of any off-road vehicles in these regions during the current wildfire situation creates a potential wildfire risk. While jeeps, trucks and other on-highway vehicles are permitted on designated roads, they are not allowed off-road. The prohibition of off-road vehicles and on-highway vehicles does not apply to private lands or national parks. It also does not apply to emergency responders or to agriculture or commercial/ industrial users who operate vehicles for farming, emergency response or business purposes. A map of the affected areas is available online at: http://ow.ly/QTm330e9G5n August is traditionally the most active part of the wildfire season. Given the number of fires currently burning in B.C., the elevated fire danger ratings and the extremely dry conditions in many parts of the province, the BC Wildfire Service is strongly urging British Columbians and visitors to stay out of the backcountry in these regions. The BC Wildfire Service is continually monitoring conditions and this prohibition may be expanded or rescinded as needed. In addition, the public is reminded that almost all provincial parks and all recreation sites and trails within the Cariboo Fire Centre are closed due to wildfire risk. The travelling public should visit "safety tips for B.C. travellers" at: www.bcwildfire.ca Anyone found in contravention of this off-road vehicle prohibition may be issued a violation ticket in the amount of $767. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs. To report an off-road violation, call the RAPP line at: 1 877 952-7277. ~ posted by Sylvia Currie ~