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Evacuation Alert for six properties south of city
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has issued an Evacuation Alert for six properties south of Mount Baker.
“Evacuation Alerts are intended to give people time to prepare themselves so that they are ready to leave immediately if an Evacuation Order is issued,” explained East Kootenay Regional Emergency Operation Centre Information Officer, Loree Duczek. “Residents within the Alert area with livestock or large animals are encouraged to take steps now to find a place to relocate their animals.”
Other steps that those within the Alert area can take now to prepare:
- Make a family reunification plan;
- Gather important items such as medications, insurance documents, valuables, supplies for children and pets, and other important items.
- Register for the Regional Evacuation Notification System at www.rdek.bc.ca
- Monitor www.bcwildfire.ca
- Join the RDEK’s email list at www.rdek.bc.ca
“In addition, if residents have RV trailers or boats in the Alert area, now is the time to move them. If an Evacuation Order needs to be issued, the priority is getting people out, and RVs and boats will be left behind at that point,” explained Duczek.
The fire is estimated to be 150 hectares and is suspected to be lightning-caused.
BC Wildfire reports that the fire is currently burning as a moderate to highly vigorous surface fire with a moderate to fast rate of spread. Resources on the fire currently include one unit crew, an initial attack crew and response officers are on scene, with a second unit crew scheduled to arrive later in the day. Ground crews are being supported by helicopters moving resources. Airtankers and skimmers are providing support cooling the fire with retardant and water respectively.
The Regional Emergency Operations Centre has been activated and an information line set up at 250- 426-2188 or toll free 1-855-346-2188.
For more information on the stages of evacuation and tips on how to prepare in the event of emergencies, visit www.rdek.bc.ca.
Further information will be issued should the situation change; updates will be provided on the RDEK website (www.rdek.bc.ca) and Facebook page. For more information call the RDEK Information line at 250-426-2188 or toll free at 1-855-346-2188.
If you are not already on the RDEK’s Area C (rural Cranbrook, Gold Creek, Jim Smith, Wycliffe, Westview Estates) email group and would like to be added for emergency notifications, visit https://www.rdek.bc.ca/about/email_group_sign_up to sign up.
THIS IS ONLY AN ALERT MEANT TO HELP YOU PREPARE IN THE EVENT EVACUATION IS REQUIRED. SHOULD THE SITUATION CHANGE, AN EVACUATION ORDER WILL BE ISSUED.
RDEK
