Alert issued for Baynes Lake area

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) earlier this morning issued an evacuation order for the Kragmont area, on the east side of Lake Koocanusa and up the Elk Valley, due to wildfire.

RDEK information officer Loree Duczek issued the following order, signed by board vice-chair Electoral Area F Director Wendy Booth at 1:30 a.m.

Pursuant to the Emergency Program Act (RS, 1996, Chap 111), an Evacuation Order has been issued by the RDEK due to immediate danger to life safety due to a wildland fire. Members of the RCMP and local firefighters will be expediting this action.

The Evacuation Order covers properties south of 1347 Waldo Road, including Conroy Road, Tranquility Road, Gavin Road, Fitzpatrick Road, Canyon Cut Off, Grasmere-Dorr Road, Dorr Cut Off Road, and Elko Grasmere Road.

“Everyone in the affected area should evacuate immediately. This order has been issued to protect the safety of the public,” said Duczek.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

You must leave the area immediately and you must not return until this order is rescinded.

Follow the travel route provided and register at the Jaffray Community Hall located at 7375 Jaffray Village Loop Rd, Jaffray.

If you need transportation assistance from the area please advise the individual providing this notice or call 250-420-1917.

Close all windows and doors.

Shut off all gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers.

Close gates (latch), but do not lock.

Gather your family: take a neighbor or someone who needs help.

Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, and keys) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.

Do not use more vehicles then you have to.

Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.

You must leave the area immediately!

“The Evacuation Order has been issued as strong winds through the late afternoon and into tonight created very aggressive fire behaviour in a wildland fire that broke out earlier today.  Evacuations are not issued lightly and are done to protect the public’s safety,” Duczek stated.

“We will do our best to get regular updates to the reception centre as we receive them from the BC Wildfire Service and are working to set up an information line. Updates will be posted on our Facebook page and RDEK website as well,” she added.

The RDEK’s Emergency Program has been activated to coordinate the evacuation orders and alerts, provide Emergency Social Services support to those affected, and provide support to the BC Wildfire Service as they work to contain the fire.

Additionally, an Evacuation ALERT has been issued for the community of Baynes Lake from the area north of 1347 Waldo Road to Kikomun Road.

“Now is the time for people in the Baynes Lake area to get prepared in the event that conditions worsen and the Evacuation Order boundary needs to be expanded. We encourage people to gather important documents, medications, papers, and personal supplies so that they are ready to go should an order be issued,” Duczek said.

Highway 93 was closed earlier this morning but has recently been re-opened.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://www.bcwildfire.ca.

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