The RDEK has expanded its evacuation alert to include 11 more homes in response to the continued growth of the St. Mary River wildfire.
The expanded area includes one home in the Ê”aq’am community, along with the remaining properties on LD Ranch Road near Cherry Creek and Buckman Road near Fort Steele.
As of Tuesday morning, a total of 43 dwellings are now in the evacuation alert area.
An additional 53 homes in the Ê”aq’am community are under an evacuation order.
“With the evolving nature of this wildfire, it is critical for residents to ensure they are staying aware and informed,” said Regional Emergency Operation Centre Information Officer, Loree Duczek. “The Evacuation Alert stage is the time to prepare in the event conditions worsen and you need to leave immediately.”
RDEK officials said residents with livestock or large animals in the alert area are encouraged to find a place to relocate their animals.
Anyone with boats or recreational vehicles is also recommended to move them at the alert stage, as they cannot be moved if an evacuation order is issued.
The fire that broke out Monday afternoon quickly grew to about 300 hectares by Tuesday morning and has since been declared a wildfire of note by the BC Wildfire Service.
RDEK officials recommend a number of steps you should take if you are in the evacuation alert area:
- Make a family reunification plan
- Gather important items such as medications, insurance documents, valuables, supplies for children and pets, and other important items
- Register for the Regional Evacuation Notification System at www.rdek.bc.ca
- Monitor www.bcwildfire.ca
- Join the RDEK’s email list at www.rdek.bc.ca
