The evacuation alert for the St. Mary wildfire has been expanded to include Wasa, Ta Ta Creek and the Stoney Lake Recreation Site.
Officials with the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) said this expanded alert area encompasses 526 properties.
This comes as hot, dry and windy conditions continue to fan the flames.
The fire has been mapped to 4,093 hectares as of Saturday afternoon.
“Evacuation Alerts and Orders are not issued lightly, and we are urging all residents within the Alert area to take steps now to prepare so that you are ready to go should an Evacuation Order be issued,” said RDEK Information Officer Loree Duczek.
Under an evacuation alert, residents should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
This means having important items prepared for a quick exit, which could include important documents, medications, valuables, hard drives, photos, and supplies for children and pets.
“Other simple steps that people can take to be ready include having a full tank of gas in their vehicle and pre-register all household members on the provincial Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) Tool at ess.gov.bc.ca,” said Duczek.
Those with trailers, boats or other recreational vehicles should move them as soon as possible.
“If an Evacuation Order needs to be issued, the priority is getting people out, and RVs and boats will be left behind,” said RDEK officials.
You can also contact the Emergency Information Line at 250-426-2188 or toll-free at 1-855-346-2188 if you need to move livestock and other large animals.
“As this is a popular vacation spot, we are also encouraging second homeowners and vacationers to take steps now to make plans to return to their primary residence in the event an Order is issued as provincial Emergency Support Services (ESS) are available only to those with a primary residence in the affected area,” said Duczek.
As of Saturday afternoon, 661 properties are on an evacuation alert while 67 homes remain on evacuation order.
“We are also pleading with the public to avoid pulling over to the side of the highway and blocking access points to watch firefighting efforts,” adds Duczek. “Not only does this create a safety hazard for everyone, it could also potentially create a safety risk for firefighters and slow down firefighting response efforts. Please stay out of these areas, including Bummers Flats, to allow this critical work to happen unimpeded.”
An area restriction has been implemented around the fire to keep the public and fire crews safe.
A video update from the RDEK and BC Wildfire Service can be found below.
