The Evacuation Order affecting five properties in the vicinity of the Doctor Creek wildfire has been rescinded and downgraded to an Evacuation Alert as crews continue to make progress on the fire.

Although the Evacuation Alert on the south side of the fire remains in effect, the Evacuation Alert on the north side of the fire has been lifted.

“This is a great day and reflects the tireless efforts of the firefighters, pilots, contractors, equipment operators and personnel who’ve been working on the Doctor Creek Fire. We can’t thank them enough for their efforts,” said Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Emergency Management Program Information Officer Loree Duczek. “Having said that, residents need to understand that this remains a large and active fire. Those residents who are now on Evacuation Alert, need to stay prepared and ready to leave again on a moment’s notice should conditions change and an order needs to be re-issued.”

The Provincial Area Restriction that applies to all Crown land within the vicinity of the fire remains in effect.

The RDEK continues to urge residents and visitors using the area to consult the maps before heading into the area:

• A map of the Evacuation Alert area is available on the Emergency Information page of RDEK’s website: www.rdek.bc.ca.
• The area restriction boundary information is available on www.bcwildfire.ca and the latest map can be found here.

“We recognize this area is a popular one for recreationalists and hunters; however, it is critically important that people respect the Area Restriction and stay out of the affected area,” stressed Duczek. “This remains an active fire and the restriction is in place to keep us all safe and to allow the crews to work safely.”

The Doctor Creek fire has been mapped at 7,937 hectares in size and is burning approximately 25km southwest of Canal Flats in the Findlay Creek area. The most current information on the Doctor Creek Fire is available on the ‘Fires of Note’ page at www.bcwildfire.ca.

“We are tremendously fortunate to have such incredible resources dedicated to this fire and want to again extend our thanks to the BC Wildfire Service and their crews for their efforts,” added Duczek.

Lead image: A file photo showing a view of Doctor Creek fire from the north. BCWS photo

RDEK

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