The Evacuation Alert for all properties within the City of Kimberley municipal boundary has been rescinded as the BC Wildfire Service makes progress on the Matthew Creek Wildfire.

“Given the progress crews have made, forecasted fire behaviour and available resources, the BC Wildfire Service has made the recommendation that the Evacuation Alert for the City of Kimberley can be lifted,” said City of Kimberley Fire Chief Will Booth.

“While the Alert has been rescinded, it is important for residents to understand the fire remains active and BC Wildfire Service crews will continue with their fire suppression efforts. We can expect to see resources working in and around the fire and we all need to remain aware as conditions can change.”

Kimberley’s Mayor is expressing gratitude this afternoon as the Evacuation Alert is lifted for the city.

“In addition to the BC Wildfire Service crews, heavy equipment operators and pilots on the front lines, there are so many people who’ve helped us get to where we are today. Fire Chief Will Booth and our fire crews, City of Kimberley and emergency operations staff, and partner agencies have been working long hours under real pressure to keep people safe and keep information flowing. Many of them live here in Kimberley and were doubly impacted, and we can’t thank them enough,” stated Mayor Don McCormick.

The Evacuation Alert was issued Sunday, July 19 in relation to the Matthew Creek Wildfire and impacted over 5,300 properties.

“An event like this touches everyone differently and every corner of this community has been affected in some way over the past few days. I am proud of the way people stepped up to help one another and in spite of the challenge of being on alert, the resilience and community spirit Kimberley has shown,” said McCormick. “While we will continue to see smoke from this and other fires for some time to come, and will need to continue to remain vigilant in following local fire conditions, this is great news for the entire community today.”

The Evacuation Alert for 66 properties in the St. Mary Lake area in relation to the Tower Creek Fires remains in effect.

“There have been no changes in the status of the Evacuation Alert for the St. Mary Lake area and we continue to urge residents to remain vigilant. Have plans in place and a go-bag packed in the event conditions change and an Evacuation Order needs to be issued,” stressed Information Officer Loree Duczek.

A copy of the Matthew Creek Alert Rescind can be found on www.kimberley.ca, while the Evacuation Alert for the Tower Creek Fires in the St. Mary Lake area can be found on www.rdek.bc.ca. The latest information on the fires is available on www.bcwildfire.ca.

Registration links for the Regional Evacuation Notification System, Vulnerable Persons Database and a host of other preparedness information and resources can also be found on the RDEK’s website.

“People have been doing a fantastic job in signing up for the Notification System and for anyone who has not done so yet, please get signed up,” says Regional Information Officer, Loree Duczek. Those without computer access, or who would like an additional hand signing up or verifying their pinned locations, can call the Regional Emergency Information Line at 250-426-2188 or 1-855-346-2188.

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