Some good news on the fire front, as the Regional District of East Kootenay has rescinded the Evacuation Alerts for the Horsethief Creek wildfire near Panorama.
The alert issued for the 926 properties on Panorama and Toby Creek Road southwest of Lillian Lake has been lifted, as well asthe Evacuation Alert for the Lake Enid, Bear Mountain and Horsethief Creek Areas.
“In spite of challenging weather and fire conditions last week, the BC Wildfire Service has continued to make progress and have the fire in a place where they felt comfortable recommending the Alert be lifted.” says Regional Emergency Operations Centre Information Officer Loree Duczek. “This is a good day. It is not easy being on Alert, particularly when the fire behaviour is elevated and visible as it has been on this fire, and I want to acknowledge the residents of the Alert area for their resilience and cooperation over the past three-plus weeks.”
Although the Alert has been lifted, the BC Wildfire Service continues to action the fire and it will remain an active work site. The Area Restriction remains in place and closed to public access.
To view the map of the Area Restriction please visit www.bcwildfire.ca.
“With the hard work of the BC Wildfire crews and the passage of the challenging cold front, the BC Wildfire Service have determined it is safe to lift the Alert for these dwellings” says Regional Emergency Operations Centre Information Officer Loree Duczek. “We are grateful to all the individuals on the front lines and behind the scenes from BC Wildfire Service who have been working to protect the residents and the properties in the area of the Horsethief Creek wildfire through incredibly difficult conditions.”
The Horsethief Creek fire is currently estimated to be 3,918.5 hectares in size and originated approximately 7 kilometres north of Panorama Mountain Resort and 10 kilometres west of Invermere. Although this alert has been rescinded, Duczek says it’s still important for all residents in the region to remain aware and prepared. “Conditions remain extremely dry and we all need to continue to stay prepared and aware as the Fire Danger Rating remains High to Extreme in our region.”
You can find updated information on all alerts and orders at www.redk.ba.ca
carolyn.grant@kimberleybulletin.com
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