A 27-year-old man who was wanted on several outstanding warrants was rescued from a cliffside during an active wildfire in B.C.’s Fraser Valley region before being arrested by RCMP officers.
Hope RCMP attended the scene of the Silver Creek fire near Hope, B.C., on July 3 to assist first responders. While firefighters were responding to the wildfire, “a man could be heard yelling for help in the same area,” Staff Sgt. Mike Sargent told The Epoch Times in an email.
Once the wildfire was under control, Hope and Chilliwack Search and Rescue located Cayden Blackwell, who was stranded on one of the cliff faces in the area, Sargent said, adding that the rescue team used a long-line rescue system to bring Blackwell safely to the ground.
The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation.
RCMP determined Blackwell had several outstanding warrants for his arrest, including possession of stolen property over $5,000, driving while prohibited, resisting arrest, and dangerous operation of a conveyance, among others.
Blackwell was taken into custody and was expected to attend court on July 4.
Silver Creek Wildfire
The Silver Creek wildfire was discovered on July 3 and is currently “being held,” which indicates that the fire is projected to remain within its current control line, according to updated data from B.C. Wildfire Service on July 8.
The wildfire currently spans 0.8 hectares and B.C. Wildfire Service says its crews are assisting the Hope fire department in responding to the blaze.
“This wildfire is being managed using a combination of techniques with the goal to minimize damage while maximizing ecological benefits from the fire,” the B.C. Wildfire Service says, adding that the fire continues to burn in “quite steep, inaccessible” terrain.
Non-residents are advised to avoid the area, and residents are recommended to check in on family, friends, and vulnerable neighbours, says an advisory posted on July 4 by Alertable, an online emergency alert system.
Residents should keep all doors and windows closed, reduce time spent outdoors, and avoid vigorous outdoor activities, the advisory says.
There are currently 71 active wildfires in B.C., according to B.C. Wildfire Service. Among those, 16 are “out of control,” while 25 are “being held,” and 30 are “under control.” These active wildfires are among 511 total wildfires in the province this year.
