The evacuation order in the ʔaq̓am community has been rescinded and residents can return home.
Sadly, seven homes were lost in the St. Mary River fire after it was sparked by downed power lines on July 17.
ʔaq̓am Nasuʔkin (Chief) Joe Pierre said he’s grateful for the quick action from local groups.
“Without the quick action and support of our neighbours and partners, we would have faced a different outcome,” he said.
“We are profoundly grateful to have close working relationships with agencies including BC Wildfire, City of Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services, the Regional District of the East Kootenay, Cranbrook RCMP, and we express gratitude to all those hardworking individuals and partners who worked on this fire or lent support to us over the last 23 days.”
Some roads in ʔaq̓am will remain closed. Mission Road through to LD Ranch Road is closed until danger tree falling is completed and Mission Wasa Low Road is closed except for local traffic.
“It is critical that people refrain from travelling on the closed roads, where possible,” said ʔaq̓am Director of Operations, Michelle Shortridge.
“While we recognize people want to see the effects of the fire, we want to ensure that the residents who return home have privacy as well as ensure BC Wildfire and contract crews have space to continue to carry out their important work. This includes continued fire fighting efforts and addressing safety concerns such as danger tree removal.”
The First Nation will be collecting data with the BC Wildfire service on how the fire behaviour was impacted by the community’s prescribed burns in the spring of 2023 and spring of 2018 and the wildfire that burned through the community in 2017.
“While we cannot replace what has been lost, we can continue to be stewards and leaders in practicing traditional Ktunaxa land management practices,” said Max Andrew, ʔaq̓am Lands Committee Member.
“This includes intentional prescribed burning, to ensure our lands benefit from healthy ecosystems and the reduction of risk to our community and neighbours.”
ʔaq̓am officials said recovery efforts will continue for those who lost their homes and ESS supports can be renewed at Lauri Middle School.
