Remaining Evacuation Alerts around Horsethief Creek fire rescinded

The Regional District of East Kootenay has rescinded the remaining Evacuation Alerts linked to the Horsethief Creek Wildfire near Panorama.

This means 27 dwellings around Lake Enid, Bear Mountain and Horsethief Creek are no longer on alert for the first time since July 24.

The RDEK says the BC Wildfire Service has continued to make progress and they have the fire in a place where they feel comfortable lifting the Evacuation Alert.

The lightning caused fire was discovered in late July and has grown to 3,918 hectares.

Evacuation Alerts around the Yearling Creek Wildfire east of Radium Hot Springs and the Lladnar Creek Wildfire near Sparwood remain active.

Find more information from the Regional District of East Kootenay below:

The Evacuation Alert for the Lake Enid, Bear Mountain and Horsethief Creek Areas in the vicinity of the Horsethief Creek Wildfire has been rescinded.

“In spite of challenging weather and fire conditions last week, the BC Wildfire Service has continued to make progress and have the fire in a place where they felt comfortable recommending the Alert be lifted.” says Regional Emergency Operations Centre Information Officer Loree Duczek. “This is a good day. It is not easy being on Alert, particularly when the fire behaviour is elevated and visible as it has been on this fire, and I want to acknowledge the residents of the Alert area for their resilience and cooperation over the past three-plus weeks.”  

The Evacuation Alert had been in place since July 24 and affected 27 dwellings.   

Although the Alert has been lifted, the BC Wildfire Service continues to action the fire and it will remain an active work site.  The Area Restriction remains in place and closed to public access. To view the map of the Area Restriction please visit www.bcwildfire.ca.

The rescind along with the corresponding maps can be found on the Evacuations and Alerts page under Emergency Information on  www.rdek.bc.ca.

Conditions remain extremely dry and in spite of the potential for rain this week, all residents of East Kootenay need to remain diligent, aware and prepared.  Along with the potential for precipitation is the potential for thunderstorms and lightning, which could cause new starts.

To report a wildfire, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a mobile phone.

– Article includes statement from Regional District of East Kootenay