The Regional District of East Kootenay has issued an Evacuation Alert for six properties south of Mount Baker.
A wildfire approximately 150 hectares in size is currently burning near Connell Ridge, placing the properties in potential danger.
Currently one unit crew and an attack crew are on site to combat the fire, they are being supported by helicopters, airtankers and skimmers providing support cooling.
You can view more information from the Regional District of East Kootenay below:
The RDEK has issued an Evacuation Alert for six properties south of Mount Baker.
“Evacuation Alerts are intended to give people time to prepare themselves so that they are ready to leave immediately if an Evacuation Order is issued,” explains East Kootenay Regional Emergency Operation Centre Information Officer, Loree Duczek. “Residents within the Alert area with livestock or large animals are encouraged to take steps now to find a place to relocate their animals.”
Other steps that those within the Alert area can take now to prepare:
- Make a family reunification plan
- Gather important items such as medications, insurance documents, valuables, supplies for children and pets, and other important items
- Register for the Regional Evacuation Notification System at www.rdek.bc.ca
- Monitor www.bcwildfire.ca
- Join the RDEK’s email list at www.rdek.bc.ca
“In addition, if residents have RV trailers or boats in the Alert area, now is the time to move them. If an Evacuation Order needs to be issued, the priority is getting people out, and RVs and boats will be left behind at that point,” explains Duczek.
The fire is estimated to be 150 hectares and is suspected to be lightning-caused.
BC Wildfire reports that the fire is currently burning as a moderate to highly vigorous surface fire with a moderate to fast rate of spread.
Resources on the fire currently include one unit crew, an initial attack crew and response officers are on scene, with a second unit crew scheduled to arrive later in the day.
Ground crews are being supported by helicopters moving resources.
Airtankers and skimmers are providing support cooling the fire with retardant and water respectively.
The Regional Emergency Operations Centre has been activated and an information line set up at 250426-2188 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.
– Submitted by the Regional District of East Kootenay
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