Home »
Evacuation Alert Issued for Fairmont Creek area
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has issued an Evacuation ALERT for 97 properties, including multiple stratas and campsites along Fairmont Creek in the Fairmont Hot Springs area following sustained rainfall throughout the past few hours.
The Evacuation ALERT includes the following:
- ALL PROPERTIES ON FOX PL;
- ALL PROPERTIES ON WILDER LOOP RD;
- ALL PROPERTIES ON FAIRMONT CREEK RD;
- 5264, 5268, 5272, 5276, 5280, 5284 COLUMBIA RIVER RD;
- ALL UNITS ON 5201 FAIRWAY DR;
- ALL UNITS ON 5150 FAIRWAY DR;
- 5225 FAIRMONT RESORT RD.
“The steady rain has resulted in an increase in water flow and sedimentation in Fairmont Creek and with the weather forecast calling for continued rain over the next two to three days, there is a potential for the capacity within the debris basins to be exceeded,” explained Information Officer Loree Duczek.
“As a result, we have issued the Evacuation ALERT out of an abundance of caution and to give people time to prepare to leave immediately should conditions worsen.”
The purpose of an alert is to ensure people are aware of the potential danger in their area and take steps to prepare to leave on a moment’s notice should an evacuation order be issued. “Now is the time for people to put together a grab and go kit that they have ready by the door, so that in the event they are asked to evacuate, they are ready to go,” added Duczek.
“Important papers (like insurance papers), medications, valuables, supplies for children and pets, photos or hard drives are all examples of things that can be included.”
The Alert only affects properties along Fairmont Creek at this time.
The Fairmont Weather Station received approximately 17mm of rain within the past five hours, which is substantial for this area.
While Fairmont Creek has not overtopped its banks at this time, the upper
debris traps are filling with debris. With more rainfall in the forecast this week, there is the potential for additional sedimentation, and as a result, debris flooding or a debris flow.
The RDEK has been on site this evening and will continue monitoring the creek, along with other waterways in the area throughout the coming days. At this time, the culverts are flowing freely.
The RDEK strongly encourages residents to sign up for the Evacuation Notification System if they have not already done so.
“Once people are signed up, they will be directly alerted in the event of evacuation orders or alerts affecting their area. It’s a free system and is easy to sign up for. Details can be found on our website,” said Duczek. Ongoing information updates will be provided via the RDEK’s email group, on its website and social media pages.
Access to more resources can be found on the Personal Preparedness page on www.rdek.bc.ca.
To learn more about how to prepare for emergencies, build an emergency kit or create a family emergency plan, visit www.PreparedBC.ca. To report wide-scale flooding, call 250-489-9677.
e-KNOW file photo
RDEK
