Evacuation Alert upgraded to Order for four properties near Plumbob Mountain Fire

Effective 9 p.m., an Evacuation ALERT has been issued for 254 properties on the west side of Lake Koocanusa from the Bailey Bridge south to the US border.

“We are urging residents and campers within the alert area to prepare and gather personal supplies should conditions worsen and an evacuation order be issued,” said Information Officer Loree Duczek. “If you have not yet registered for the Evacuation Notification System, we urge you to do so. It will take RCMP and Search and Rescue several hours to deliver notifications throughout an Alert area of this size. By contrast those who are registered for the Notification System will know immediately, when every second counts.” To register for the Evacuation Notification System or RDEK Email updates, visit www.rdek.bc.ca.

“If you have RVs, boats or other recreational vehicles you wish to move, or if you have livestock or animals that need to be moved, this is the time to move them,” stresses Duczek. “If an Evacuation Order needs to be issued, RVs, boats and large livestock will not be able to be moved at that time.

Anyone within the Alert area staying at a vacation property, second home or campground will not be eligible for ESS and will be asked to return to their primary residence if an Order is issued. “Anyone at a vacation property or campground may wish to return to their primary residence at the Alert stage as evacuations can happen at any time during the day or night,” explains Duczek. “This is an incredibly popular recreational area and we are urging everyone – including campers – to register for the Evacuation Notification System so they will be aware if conditions change and an Order needs to be issued.”

The fire, which is now estimated at 360 hectares in size, began as a ground fire and quickly spread to the crown fuels due to winds and gusts up to 50 km/hr today. It will be a Fire of Note on the BC Wildfire website www.bcwildfire.ca and the latest updates will be available there.

To view the Evacuation Alert boundary and other emergency preparedness information is available on www.rdek.bc.ca. The Emergency Information numbers are 250-426-2188 or 1-855-346-2188.

Evacuation Alert upgraded to Order for four properties near Plumbob Mountain Fire

Gusting winds and tinder dry conditions have contributed to continued growth on the Plumbob Mountain Fire west of Lake Koocanusa, and an earlier Evacuation ALERT for 4 properties in the area of the fire has now been upgraded to an Evacuation ORDER effective 8 p.m.

“A Reception Centre has been established at the Heritage Inn and the affected property owners are asked to register with the Emergency Support Services team at the Reception Centre,” said Information Officer, Loree Duczek.

The fire is now estimated at 360 hectares in size. BC Wildfire crews continue to action the fire this evening and the latest BC Wildfire updates are available on www.bcwildfire.ca.

The Regional Emergency Operations Centre remains activated and information line can be reached at 250-426-2188 or toll free 1-855-346-2188.

To view the Evacuation Order boundary and other emergency preparedness information, visit www.rdek.bc.ca.

All residents of the East Kootenay are urged to sign up for the Regional Evacuation Notification System for their permanent, vacation homes or even campsites. “This is the fastest way to be notified if an Evacuation Alert or Order has been issued in your registered location,” adds Duczek.

RDEK

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