Police and firefighters carried out a tactical evacuation this afternoon for rural residents living approximately seven kilometres north of Fairmont Hot Springs due to a new wildfire.
The tactical evacuation order included 27 properties in the Crooked Tree/Madias Creek area, while the evacuation alert covers 46 properties in the area as well. The ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation Council has also issued an evacuation alert for all 208 properties on in the ʔakisq̓nuk community.
“Late this afternoon a tactical evacuation was performed by RCMP and RDEK firefighters in response to the rapidly evolving situation of the Madias Creek wildfire. They were quick to respond, and everyone was able to get out safely,” said Loree Duczek, Regional Emergency Operations Centre Information Officer.
The RDEK’s Columbia Valley Regional Fire and Rescue Service and BC Wildfire have established unified command and have been battling the flames since they were discovered.
An Emergency Support Services (ESS) Reception Centre has been established at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce in the Lion’s Hall (651 Hwy 93/95, Invermere) for those affected by the evacuation. Evacuees are asked to check in and register at the Reception Centre or online at www.ess.gov.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.
Drive BC reports that BC Highway 93/95 has been closed seven km north of Fairmont Hot Springs due to water bomber response to the fire on the east side of the highway by Crooked Tree Road and Kootenay No. 3 Road. However, a detour is available via Westside Road.
