Evacuation Alert issued for Panorama area, Toby Creek Road due to Horsethief Creek wildfire
An Evacuation Alert has been issued for 926 dwellings in the Panorama area due to the Horsethief Creek wildfire.
The alert was issued as the wildfire showed increased fire behaviour overnight.
The Evaucation Alert includes Panorama and Toby Creek Road southwest of Lillian Lake, including Lanac Road, Neave Road and Hydro Substation Road.
More information about the alert can be found in the press release from the Regional District of East Kootenay below:
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK), has issued an EVACUATION ALERT for 926 dwellings in the Panorama area due to increased fire behaviour on the Horsethief Creek wildfire overnight.
The Evacuation Alert encompasses Panorama and Toby Creek Road southwest of Lillian Lake, including the following areas:
All properties in Panorama Mountain Village
All properties along Toby Creek Road southwest of Lillian Lake, including Lanac Road, Neave Road, and Hydro Substation Rd
“Given the current fire behaviour and the forecasted weather conditions, the BC Wildfire Service has recommended an Evacuation Alert be issued for the Panorama area so people have as much time as possible to prepared themselves in the event that an Evacuation Order needs to be issued,” says Information Officer, Loree Duczek. “We are encouraging everyone within the Alert area to take steps immediately to prepare so that they have what they need should they be asked to leave on a moment’s notice.”
The Alert is being sent out through the Regional Evacuation Notification System, RDEK email groups, Panorama Mountain Resort’s network, social and local media. To help residents prepare, the RDEK has posted an evacuation checklist on the Emergency Information page on its website.
“If you have not yet registered for the Evacuation Notification System, you are urged to do so, not only if you are within the vicinity of the Horsethief Creek Fire, but no matter where are you in the East Kootenay,” stresses Duczek. “With the tinder dry conditions and some challenging weather in forecast for the next 24 to 48 hours, we all need to be taking steps to remain aware and prepared and the Notification System is an excellent tool in our toolbox.”
Anyone with large animals and livestock should make plans at the Alert stage to relocate them. Boats and Recreational Vehicles should also be moved at the Alert stage as they would not be able to be taken in the event of an Evacuation Order.
Information and links to the registration page for the Regional Evacuation Notification System, along with a copy of the Evacuation Alert are posted on www.rdek.bc.ca.
