A precautionary evacuation ALERT has been issued for 174 properties in the Moyie and Monroe Lake area as a wildfire continues to burn in Lamb Creek.

“An evacuation alert informs residents of the threat of a potential or impending danger. It is intended to give people time to gather things and prepare themselves so that they are ready to go should the situation worsen and an Evacuation Order be issued,” explained Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Information Officer Loree Duczek. “We encourage people within the evacuation alert area to put together important papers (like insurance papers), medications, valuables, supplies for children and pets, and other important items so that in the event things progress and they are asked to evacuate, they are ready to go.”

The fire, which was sparked by lightning, is currently estimated at 60 hectares in size and is burning northwest of Moyie Lake. It is being actively actioned by the BC Wildfire Service both by ground and air and earlier this week, the BC Wildfire Service implemented a full watercraft restriction on the entire lake to ensure safe access for the planes and helicopters working the fire.

A map of the alert area is available on the RDEK’s website. The alert area includes:

• the area NORTH of the townsite of Moyie to the Swansea Bridge (including Porto Rico Road);
• the WEST side of Moyie Lake from Aurora Estates north including Greenbay, Mineral Lake and Monroe Lake.

The alert area does not include Moyie townsite, Eagles Nest, Moyie Shores Estates.

In addition to the residential properties, the Moyie Lake Provincial Campground is included in the evacuation alert area, along with some private campgrounds including Hiawatha RV park, Moyie Vista Resort and Owl’s Nest.  “If people plan to move RV trailers or boats, the alert stage is the time to do that. If an evacuation order is issued, there is no time to allow that to happen.”

“We need to stress that at this time, we have only issued an alert and now is the time to take steps to be prepared.”

An information line has been 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.

For the latest status of wildfires, visit http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status

An Evacuation Alert has been issued by the Regional District of East Kootenay due to wildfire and the potential danger to life and health in the Moyie/Monroe Lake area as outlined on the map above associated with this Alert.

The purpose of this Alert is to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property should it be found necessary. Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however, you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHILE THE ALERT IS IN EFFECT

While the Evacuation Alert is in place, you 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 please 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.

Further information will be issued should the situation change and updates will be provided on the RDEK website (www.rdek.bc.ca) and Facebook page. For more information contact the Information Line at 250-426-2188 or long distance at 1-855-346-2188.

If you are not already on the RDEK’s Moyie Area email group and would like to be added for emergency notifications, email Loree Duczek at [email protected] and put ‘Moyie Area Email Group’ in the subject line.

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.

Lead image: A bomber hits the Lamb Creek fire from earlier in the summer. Photo by Linda Botterill

RDEK

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