Home »
Forecasted winds prompt Evacuation Alert expansion
With wind gusts of up to 80 kilometres per hour forecasted tonight and the potential for increased fire behaviour and growth, the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has expanded the EVACUATION ALERT area on the Doctor Creek Fire to include an area of mostly Crown land on the south side of the fire.
The alert area includes (see map):
- Buhl Creek Recreation Site;
- Doctor Creek Cabin Rec Site;
- Skookumchuck Forest Service Road.
Today’s expanded alert area does not include any residential properties and closely aligns with the Crown land Area Restriction, so both Recreation Sites are currently closed. This Alert is in addition to the existing Evacuation ORDER for 5 properties and Evacuation ALERT for 5 properties in the Findlay Creek area, which both remain in effect.
“Although there are no residential properties in this area and much of the access is closed due to the Area Restriction, we want to ensure recreationalists are aware of the potential for fire growth and are taking steps to be adequately prepared,” explained Information Officer Loree Duczek.
The RDEK is urging residents and visitors to sign up for the Evacuation Notification System if they have not already done so. “If you camp and recreate in the East Kootenay, you can drop location pins in all your favourite spots to receive notifications in the event of evacuation orders or alerts,” added Duczek. The registration is free and details are available on the RDEK’s website at www.rdek.bc.ca.
An information line has been set up at 250-426-2188 or toll free 1-855-346-2188 and, when not staffed, will have a recorded message with the most updated information.
The area restriction for Crown land in the vicinity of this fire remain in effect and details about this area restriction are available on www.bcwildfire.ca or http://ow.ly/hcsz30r7EjE.
The Doctor Creek fire is estimated to be 7,600 hectares in size and is burning approximately 25km southwest of Canal Flats.
For the most current information please visit the bans and restrictions section of the BC Wildfire website for the Southeast Fire Centre or HERE.
RDEK
