Evacuation Orders and Alerts issued as Horsethief Creek wildfire increases to 300 hectares

The RDEK has issued an Evacuation Order affecting 25 dwellings in the immediate vicinity of the Horsethief Creek Wildfire, which broke out Monday in the Columbia Valley.

The Horsethief Creek fire is now 300 hectares in size and is located in the Bruce Mountain about seven kilometres north of Panorama Mountain Resort and 10 kilometres west of Invermere.

The lightning-caused blaze has been displaying aggressive behaviour and increased in size significantly Monday night with strong gusty winds in the region.

The Evacuation Order includes an area that covers:
– Forester Forest Service Road to the North
– Lake Enid Recreation Site to the East
– Bear Mountain to the South
– Bruce Mount Service Road to the West

In addition, an Evacuation Alert is in affect for 1,041 dwellings including Panorama Mountain Resort, Westside Road Area (from Invermere to Radium), Mount Forster, and Lake Lillian Recreation Area.

You can find full details about the new Evacuation Orders and Alerts by viewing the social media post below:

Maps of the affected areas are posted below.

(Graphic Credit: Regional District of East Kootenay)