A precautionary evacuation alert has been issued for 51 properties in the Island Pond / Premier Lake area as a wildfire continues to burn between Skookumchuck and Canal Flats.
“An evacuation alert informs residents of the threat of a potential or impending danger. It is intended to give people time to gather things and prepare themselves so that they are ready to go should the situation worsen and an Evacuation Order be issued,” explains Information Officer Loree Duczek. “We encourage people within the evacuation alert area to put together important papers (like insurance papers), medications, valuables, supplies for children and pets, and other important items so that in the event things progress and they are asked to evacuate, they are ready to go.”
The fire, which was sparked yesterday when a tree fell on a powerline, is currently estimated at 150 hectares in size and is being actively actioned by the BC Wildfire Service both by ground and air.
In addition to the residential properties, the Provincial Campground at Premier Lake is included in the evacuation alert area.
“If people plan to move RV trailers or boats, the alert stage is the time to do that. If an evacuation order is issued, there is no time to allow that to happen.”
“We need to stress that at this time, we have only issued an alert and it is a great time to take steps to be prepared.”
An information line has been set up at 250-426-2188 or toll free 1-855-346-2188. For more information on the stages of evacuation and tips on how to prepare in the event of emergencies, visit www.rdek.bc.ca.
For the latest status of wildfires, visit http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status
