By Sgt. Ed deJong

This past week, July 22 to July 29, Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 96 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

Impaired driver stopped heading to Invermere from Panorama

On July 24, Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of an impaired driver heading to Invermere from Panorama.  Police made patrols and located the vehicle and female driver.  An ASD demand was read and samples obtained, revealing the driver was impaired by alcohol.  Driver was issued a 90-day driver’s license suspension and a 30-day vehicle impound.

Lifejackets likely contributed to lack of a tragedy

On July 24 at 3:21 p.m., Invermere Fire Rescue and RCMP were called to a capsized sailboat on Lake Windermere near the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.  Both emergency services’ boats were deployed and located the sailboat and all of its occupants, who had self-rescued and made it to shore.  Of note, all three on board were wearing proper life jackets which likely contributed to the lack of a tragedy.

Wildfire danger is still extreme

On July 26 the Raven’s Head wildfire grew in a northerly direction toward the Nipika Resort and adjacent properties.  BC Wildfire Service evacuated the properties in danger and set up road blocks to prevent re-entry.  The wildfire danger is still extreme, please ensure you are not providing a possible ignition source and be diligent about reporting fires if you see them.  A big thanks to BC Wildfire staff for quickly controlling the Madias Creek wildfire prior to any structures being lost.

– Sgt. Ed DeJong is Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment commander

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