An evacuation alert has been issued for 14 properties in the Birchdale and Fry Creek area due to the Fry Creek wildfire, according to a news release from the Regional District of Central Kootenay.
The boat access only community is located northeast of Kaslo on the east shore of Kootenay Lake. The alert includes the following addresses and property identification numbers (PIDs):
138 Birchdale Way
200 Birchdale Way
006-438-521 PID
007-093-951 PID
016-077-989 PID
016-429-079 PID
016-077-938 PID
016-077-920 PID
016-077-971 PID
018-874-037 PID
023-193-859 PID
024-677-973 PID
024-384-321 PID
027-545-491 PID
Residents or visitors within the area are not required to evacuate. However the RDCK advises people to remain vigilant and be prepared to leave the area at a moment’s notice. Residents should prepare their emergency grab and go bag, prepare to move pets and livestock to a safe area, and sign up to receive RDCK emergency notifications. Part of your plan should include where you can go if evacuated, such as staying with friends or family.
The Fry Creek wildfire is out of control and is 150 hectares in size. It was discovered on Aug. 25 and was started by lightning.
“The fire is burning in steep and inoperable terrain in the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy that is unsafe for crews to work on directly,” states a news release from the BC Wildfire Service, adding that fire has grown over the last few days and is highly visible, particularly at night.
“As a result of yesterday’s winds, this fire has moved onto the south side of the Fry Creek drainage. The south flank, towards Birchdale, did not see the same growth. The fire continues to back downslope towards Kootenay Lake.”