UPDATE: RDCK EOC Evacuation Alert for Harrop, Procter, Sunshine Bay, Kootenay Lake Village
By Nelson Daily Staff
The Regional District of Central Kootenay Emergency Operations Centre said in media release that BC Wildfire Service reports no significant growth in the Harrop Creek wildfire overnight.
“The fire is approximately 4.5 km upslope of the community and wildfire crews are engaged in containment operations as part of a contingency plan,” the RDCK release said.
“Evacuation Alerts were issued door to door (Thursday) evening to the affected areas including Harrop, Procter, Sunshine Bay and Kootenay Lake Village.”
BC Wildfire Service says the Harrop Creek fire is currently estimated at 3,142.0 hectares.
“This fire is currently burning in steep and complex terrain,” BC Wildfire Service said. “The flames will be highly visible over night and smoke from this fire can be seen from Highway 3A and the surrounding communities.”
The RDCK is advising the public that due to limited capacity and time constraints to evacuate quickly on the Harrop cable ferry, the EOC encourages those on Evacuation Alert to plan for temporary accommodations, as well as alternative locations for livestock, trailers and boats.
“In the event of an evacuation, the cable ferry will only accept vehicles and passengers – absolutely no trailers, boats, or livestock will be allowed,” the EOC said.
“Please consult with friends, neighbours and family for arrangements since Emergency Social Services may be overwhelmed by a large influx of evacuees should an Evacuation Order be issued.”
The RDCK EOC said residents are encouraged to have a 72 hour emergency kit prepared and to consult the provincial Emergency Preparedness Guide pdf for useful information.
“Please sign up for the Emergency Alert System if you haven’t already at http://tinyurl.com/sign-up-alert.”
“As a reminder, the Emergency Alert system has been established to only contact residents who are at risk of imminent threat due to a disaster or emergency and who need to take some kind of action.”
The RDCK said there have been questions and concerns why the Emergency Alert system was activated for the Morley Creek (Kokanee Creek) wildfire.
“This was due to the fire’s proximity to the community and time of day, despite it being an Evacuation Alert (not Order) and no action was required by residents.
“There is also an added feature within the Emergency Alert system that invites affected residents to be placed on a temporary dedicated list which will send updates via text for the duration of an incident. Once again, for those currently affected by the Harrop Creek wildfire, you can receive pertinent updates by texting HARROP to 778-400-1771.”
Visit BC Wildfire – Interactive Map of Current Fires for information on current wildfires in the area.
RDCK will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.
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