The Regional District of East Kootenay, the District of Elkford and the District of Sparwood have issued an evacuation alert for a number of residents due to two wildfires in the area.
The alert is now in place for residents in the area north of the District of Sparwood to Bingay Creek. This includes the District of Elkford, Line Creek, Green Hills and Fording River Operations and all rural properties north of Sparwood.
Residents in the area should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice if wildfire activity increases.
While the evacuation alert is in place, residents should prepare for a possible evacuation order by:
- Locating all family members or co-workers and designate a meeting point outside the evacuation area, should an evacuation be called while separated.
- Gathering essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g., insurance), immediate care needs for dependants and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs, etc.). Have these items readily available for quick departure.
- Preparing to move any disabled persons and/or children.
- Moving pets and livestock to a safe area.
- Arranging to transport your household members or co-workers in the event of an evacuation order. If you need transportation assistance from the area call 250-426-2188.
- Arranging accommodation for your family if possible. In the event of an evacuation, reception centres will be opened if required.
- Monitoring news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of Reception Centres.
MAP: Location of wildfires burning around B.C.
The Quinn Creek wildfire and the White River wildfire are both burning in the region.
The White River fire is about 22,250 hectares in size and is burning about 37 kilometres northeast of Canal Flats.
To aid in fire suppression activities and for public safety, there is a complete road closure on the White-Schoefield Forest Service Road starting at the 78-kilometre mark, the White River Forest Service Road starting at the 32-kilometre mark and the White-East Fork Forest Service Road starting at the 60-kilometre mark.
The Whiteswan Lake area is under an evacuation order due to this fire.
The Quinn Creek wildfire, burning 30 kilometres west of the Elk River, is an estimated 7,513 hectares in size.
Elkford Fire Rescue says this fire has been very active on the northern side within the Bull River drainage, with smoke and ash visible in Elkford and Sparwood. The fire has not moved out of the Bull River drainage however.
The District of Elkford will host a town hall public meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at the Elkford Community Conference Centre in Teck Hall.
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