There are 25 properties on evacuation order and 1,041 dwellings on alert as the Horsethief Creek fire grows in the Columbia Valley.
Those on order include the Forester FSR to the north, the Lake Enid recreation site to the east, bear mountain to the south and the Bruce Mount service road to the west.
Those in this area are asked to leave immediately. The order was issued during the night.
“This is a highly visible fire and has grown rapidly since it started this afternoon,” says Information Officer Loree Duczek.
“As a result, the BC Wildfire Service has recommended we issue an Evacuation Order for an area nearest the fire and an Evacuation Alert for a number of properties nearby.”
The alert area includes Panorama, Westside Road from Invermere to Radium, Mt. Forster and the Lillian Lake recreation site.
This is the time to get organized, put your important papers, medications, pet supplies, grab-and-go kits and other important items together so that you can leave on a moment’s notice if required,” added Duczek.
“The RDEK is also encouraging those within the Alert area to preregister all household members on the provincial Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) Tool
at ess.gov.bc.ca.”
The blaze was sparked yesterday afternoon approximately 7 kilometres north of Panorama Mountain Resort and 10 kilometres west of Invermere.
The fire has quickly grown to over 300 hectares. It’s believed to be lightning-caused.
It has been classified as a wildfire of note.