Progress made on Wait Creek Fire

There have been changes in the status of the Evacuation Alerts and Order in the vicinity of the Wait Creek wildfire near Ta Ta Creek, including a reduction in the size of the order area (see map below).

• IN EFFECT:
  • The Evacuation Order remains in effect for 23 dwellings WEST of the BC Hydro Transmission Line.
  • The Evacuation ALERT remains in effect for 27 dwellings WEST of the BC Hydro Transmission Line.
• RESCINDED:
  • The Evacuation Order has been rescinded for all properties EAST of the BC Hydro Transmission Line.
  • The Evacuation Alert has been rescinded for all properties EAST of the BC Hydro Transmission Line (including Wasa and Lazy Lake areas).

“There are still 23 dwellings WEST of the Transmission Line that remain on Evacuation Order and 27 that remain on Evacuation ALERT as these properties are closest to the active area of the fire,” stresses Information Officer, Loree Duczek.

“It is important for residents who are on Alert to continue to remain aware and prepared should conditions change.”

To help support residents with the recovery as they transition back home, the RDEK will be opening a Resiliency Centre tonight from 5 – 9 p.m. at the Wasa Community Hall.  Resources on site will include:

• Red Cross Clean Up Kits (including some simple cleaning supplies);
• Salvation Army – will have dinner tonight;
• The Food Hub team from Salvation Army will have basic food for residents in the Evacuation Order area.
• A representative from the Provincial Disaster Team specializing in supporting evacuees navigating some of the emotions and feelings experienced after a sudden emergency event.
  • This service is open to anyone affected by the Evacuation Orders and Alerts in the region.
• Therapy Dogs and ESS volunteers

There have been no homes reported to have been lost as a result of the fire, though BC Wildfire has reported impacts to some outbuildings.

BC Wildfire crews are continuing to bring the wildfire to established guards to secure the fire and reinforce lines. There is ongoing patrolling to ensure there are no spot fires and to address danger trees to ensure it is safe to re-enter.

The fire continues to be an active worksite and residents are asked to be aware of crews and directional signage or closures.

The Rescind and Evacuation Alert along with the corresponding maps can be found on the Evacuations and Alerts page under Emergency Information on  www.rdek.bc.ca.

Lead image: The Wait Creek Wildfire as of the morning of August 3. BC Wildfire Service photo

RDEK

Article Share