The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has this evening (May 31) issued an evacuation alert for 33 properties in the Cold Spring Creek area in Fairmont Hot Springs due to flooding and the potential for debris flows.

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.

“The RDEK encourages people within the evacuation alert area to put together important papers (like insurance papers), medications, valuables, supplies for children and pets, and other important items so that should they be asked to evacuate, they are ready to go,” said Information Officer Loree Duczek.

The heavy rainfall last night and through the day today has resulted in localized flooding and debris on both Cold Spring Creek and Fairmont Creek and the RDEK is urging all residents to stay away from both waterways and avoid travelling on roads that have been compromised by flood water.

Earlier in the day, an evacuation order was issued for 24 properties along Fairmont Creek and RCMP, Search and Rescue and members of the Fairmont Fire Department assisted with door- to-door notification within the order area. A reception centre has been established at the Kanata Inn for all evacuees.

The RDEK has been on site all day and will continue monitoring both creeks throughout the night. In addition, the regional district is working with Fairmont Hot Springs Resort to clear culverts utilizing small equipment and has larger equipment on standby if required.

The RDEK has declared a state of local emergency as part of its response to the flooding in Fairmont.

Continued updates and information will be posted via the RDEK’s email groups, website and social media pages. To sign up for the email notification or the Evacuation Notification Alert

system, visit www.rdek.bc.ca.

RDEK

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