All scheduled flights in and out of the Canadian Rockies International Airport have been cancelled until further notice

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has issued an Evacuation Alert for 23 properties in the Campsall Road area west of Fort Steele due to the St Mary River wildfire.

“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 Director, Shawn Tomlin. “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 Tomlin.

The fire is estimated to be 300 hectares and the suspected cause is downed powerlines.

BC Wildfire reports that ground crews are being supported with helicopters and airtankers, though strong winds are challenging aviation efforts. Additional resources are en route. Strong winds are driving fire behaviour and the size is expected to increase.

ʔaq’am and first responders performed a tactical evacuation, which was followed by implementation of an evacuation order in an area of the ʔaq’am Community north of the St. Mary River.

Many residents in the area may be experiencing prolonged power outages. Those in the affected area may wish to transfer frozen and perishable goods to a friend’s home that is not affected by the power outage.

Due to this wildfire, all scheduled flights in and out of the Canadian Rockies International Airport have been cancelled until further notice. Please call your airline for more info if you were to be travelling today.

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.

Fort Steele Heritage Town has also announced it will be closed Tuesday, July 18 due to the wildfire and resulting power outages.

For more information on the stages of evacuation and tips on how to prepare in the event of emergencies, visit www.rdek.bc.ca.

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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