The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has issued a State of Local Emergency for Fairmont Hot Springs and a small number of homes along Fairmont Creek are being evacuated as heavy rainfall has increased the potential for a debris flow event.

“RCMP are assisting with a door to door tactical evacuation in a localized area along Fairmont Creek south of Marble Canyon,” explained RDEK Information Officer Loree Duczek.

A reception centre has been set up at the Kanata Inn north of the Invermere crossroads for evacuees.

“Our primary concern is the safety of residents. The heavy rainfall has resulted in flooding and debris on both Fairmont Creek and Cold Spring Creek and we are asking everyone to stay away from the creek banks and avoid any roads that are compromised by flood water,” added Duczek.

Residents in the evacuation zone will be notified by RCMP, who are currently going door to door, and are asked to immediately leave the area and check in at the reception centre.

Declaring a state of local emergency enables the RDEK to exercise emergency powers under the Emergency Program Act as it responds to the flooding in Fairmont.

As this is a developing situation, more information will be provided as it becomes available.