The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has issued an EVACUATION ALERT in the Premier Lake Area as hot, dry conditions and strong winds prompted growth on the Lussier River (N20809), which started today.

The Evacuation ALERT includes 72 addresses, and the area extends approximately six kilometers north of Premier Lake, continues to south of Premier Lake Campground, extends approximately 2.5 kilometers west of Premier Lake, and east to the base of the mountains.

Residents should refer to the Evacuation Alert and associated map on the Alerts & Orders page of www.rdek.bc.ca to determine whether their property is in the Evacuation Alert area.

“Given the dry conditions and the fact that there is only one road in and out of the area, this Alert is being issued,” says RDEK Information Officer, Loree Duczek. “This is a heavily used recreation area, and we are encouraging those in the vicinity to stay aware of the potential for changing conditions on this fire.”

The BC Wildfire Service is currently responding to this fire and the most updated information on the status of the fire can be found on www.bcwildfire.ca.

The Regional Emergency Operations Centre has been opened, and an information line has been set up at 250-426-2188 or toll-free 1-855-346-2188 and, when not staffed, will have a recorded message with the most updated information.