Wildfire updates…
Last updated September 13th
Sorrento Centre safely re-opens
The Sorrento Centre has completed its plan for a gradual and safe re-opening, with our first overnight guests expected starting Thursday. All our departments – maintenance, grounds, housekeeping, food services, farm and office – are set to welcome groups of artists and scrap-bookers.
The wildfire remains active, especially near Sorrento. In recent days, it has been classed as a rank 1 fire, which means most fire behaviour is at ground level and below ground. Hotspots, including ashpits, present a special hazard. Warming and drying conditions, along with unfavourable winds, have caused the fire to flare from time to time.
BC Wildfire has issued this warning: “Although we are entering the fall season, nearby communities can still expect to see smoke within the perimeter over the coming weeks. This is common with large wildfires and will continue until significant rainfall or snowfall. If you see smoke coming from well within a fire’s perimeter and the area is surrounded by black, burned material, this is typically not a concern. However, smoke rising from green, unburned fuel or from outside a fire’s perimeter should be reported immediately.”
Helicopters are continuing to daily douse the hotspots from above, with water-tank trucks dousing and crews with hand tools dousing from the ground.
The Sorrento Centre monitors fire activity, as well as air and water quality, and will adjust re-opening plans as required. We will post regular updates on our website and social media.