The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) August 1 issued an EVACUATION ORDER in the Tata Creek, Wasa Lake, and Lazy Lake areas in relation to the Wait Creek (N11360) wildfire.

The EVACUATION ORDER covers approximately 972 dwellings in the Ta Ta Creek, Wasa Lake, and Lazy Lake areas, including a number of campsites.

A copy of the Order and boundary map can be found on the Evacuation Alerts & Orders page on www.rdek.bc.ca.

“This afternoon a tactical evacuation was performed by emergency personnel in response to the rapidly evolving situation of the Wait Creek wildfire and the Evacuation Order was then expanded to include the Wasa and Lazy Lake areas,” said Regional Emergency Operations Centre Information Officer Loree Duczek.

An Emergency Support Services (ESS) Reception Centre was immediately opened at Parkland Middle School (1115 2 Ave S, Cranbrook) for those affected by the evacuation.

Evacuees are asked to check in and register at the Reception Centre or online at ess.gov.bc.ca.

The Reception Centre was until 3 a.m. August 2 and reopens between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday.

The Salvation Army will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner for evacuees at the Cranbrook Curling Centre.

Anyone interested in volunteering with the local ESS teams to assist evacuees can visit www.rdek.bc.ca/ess to learn more and apply.

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 wildfire information. Callers are able to leave a message on that line if they require information or a follow up call.

The BC Wildfire Service has listed the Wait Creek Wildfire, an estimated 160 ha, as a Fire of Note and is providing detailed updates on www.bcwildfire.ca. This is the best place to get the most updated information on the fire.

RDEK

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