Updated story: Sept.1, 8 p.m.
The Silver Basin Wildfire has grown to 190 hectares, with the growth primarily on the east and south, away from any structures.
The Evacuation Alert and Area Restriction still remains in place.
Updated story: Aug. 31, 9 p.m.
An Evacuation Alert remains in effect, covering the area south of where Bugaboo Creek Road meets Septet Creek to Bugaboo Provincial Park Boundary, as the Silver Basin Wildfire grows to 150 hectares.
The fire is in difficult and mostly inaccessible terrain, and the crews will be working on the north flank as it is the only accessible area.
Meanwhile, the Area Restriction remains in effect.
BC Parks is asking people NOT to visit Bugaboo Provincial Park area at this time. Due to the wildfire, they are anticipating closures of the entire area from Upper Bugaboo Falls to the height of land to the West. This will lead to closures of Bugaboo Provincial Park and other areas. Recent flooding had already closed the entire Core Area of Bugaboo Park including the Kain Hut Trail. For the latest updates from BC Parks.
Original story: Aug. 30, 10:30 p.m.
An evacuation alert has been issued for the area adjacent to Bugaboos Provincial Park as hot, dry conditions and stronger winds prompted growth on the Silver Basin Wildfire today, Saturday, Aug. 30.
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) said the alert includes the following area:
- South of where Bugaboo Creek Road meets Septet Creek (N 50° 47′ 56.04”, W 116° 41′ 2.039) to Bugaboo Provincial Park Boundary.
• Including Bugaboo Falls Recreation Site
• Including Bugaboo Septet Recreation Site
• Including CMH Lodge
It also includes the following civic addresses:
• 1700 BUGABOO CREEK FS RD
• 1710 BUGABOO CREEK FS RD
• 1750 BUGABOO CREEK FS RD
“This Alert covers a backcountry area and includes a number of popular recreation sites and the CMH Lodge,” says RDEK Information Officer, Loree Duczek.
“The Lodge has proactively evacuated their guests and we are encouraging anyone with friends or family recreating in the area that may be able to access them with an In-Reach or satellite system to reach out and ensure they are aware of the changing conditions on the Silver Basin Fire.”
While an Area Restriction was put into effect earlier today, the BC Wildfire Service is working on an expanded Area Restriction to limit access in the area adjacent to Bugaboo Provincial Park due to the ongoing fire activity.
The latest information on the fire and Area Restriction can be found on www.bcwildfire.ca.
The Regional Emergency Operations Centre has been opened, and 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.
A copy of the Evacuation Alert and associated map are posted on the Emergency Information page on www.rdek.bc.ca.
What you should do during the Evacuation Alert Stage
- Register for the Evacuation Notification System at www.rdek.bc.ca – this will ensure that we can reach you rapidly if the evacuation status changes.
- Arrange a meeting location outside of the Evacuation Alert area where family members can meet if an Evacuation Order is issued while not together.
- Have a ‘To-Go Bag’ packed and ready to leave at a moment’s notice, with essential items such as: o Government-issued ID o Medications, eyeglasses, and transportable medical equipment o Money o Clothing, personal care items and immediate needs for your dependents o Important documents (e.g. insurance, banking and mortgage info) o Valuables and keepsakes
- Relocate recreational vehicles and boats at the Alert stage as there will not be time to move them in the event of an Order.
- Ensure there is enough fuel in vehicles to safely leave the area if an Evacuation Order is issued.
- Plan ahead for accommodation should an Order need to be issued, if possible, stay with friends or relatives, or find alternative accommodations.
- Should an Evacuation Order need to be issued, provincial Emergency Support Services are only available for those displaced from their primary residence.
- Pre-register all household members on the provincial Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) Tool at ess.gov.bc.ca. Persons who have a BC Services Card may be eligible to receive an e-transfer using the BC Services Card App.
- Please secure your firearms in accordance with Section 118 of the Firearms Act.
- Monitor credible news sources and www.rdek.bc.ca for information.
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