Evacuation Order reduced to Evacuation Alert for area in Applegrove

Nelson, BC:  On the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is reducing a portion of the area currently under Evacuation Order to an Evacuation Alert. 15 properties south of approximately the 15.8KM mark on Applegrove Road will remain on Evacuation Order (please see map). Currently, 153 properties remain on Evacuation Alert. This reduction to an Alert means residents can return to their properties, but must be prepared to leave on short notice should conditions change. 

Evacuation Order and Alert map

Addresses still on Evacuation Order:748 Applegrove Rd1210 Applegrove Rd802 Applegrove Rd780 Applegrove Rd685 Applegrove Rd620 Applegrove Rd1320 Applegrove Rd612 Applegrove Rd604 Applegrove Rd1500 Applegrove Rd504 Applegrove Rd1530 Applegrove Rd430 Applegrove Rd1710 Applegrove Rd920 Applegrove Rd“This is a positive step forward,” said Nora Hannon, the RDCK Emergency Operations (EOC) Director. “BCWS continues their work on the wildfire and assessing the areas for any hazards that may pose a threat to residents. Our primary concern is to ensure the area is safe before we let residents return home.”

 The Octopus Creek wildfire (N51800) is being managed as part of the Arrow Lake Complex fires. It was first discovered on July 11 and is currently estimated at 18,447 hectares. The BCWS has determined the cause to be lightning. BCWS is still actively responding to the fire with firefighting crews, aviation support and heavy equipment. According to the Wildfires of Note webpage, control lines continue to be reinforced and structure protection is being maintained and monitored by dedicated firefighters on properties that are threatened.

 For residents who remain on Evacuation Order, a reminder to register online with Emergency Support Services (ESS) at https://ess.gov.bc.ca/. If you do require ESS support, please report to the Nakusp & District Sports Complex (200 8th Ave NW, Nakusp, BC). Short-term assistance for immediate needs of food, shelter, and clothing may be provided by ESS volunteers following registration at the above website. For further assistance you can call the RDCK EOC public inquiry line 250-352-7701.

 For those who have been under Evacuation Order for longer than 10 consecutive days during the 2021 wildfire season, the BC government has teamed up with the Red Cross to provide financial support. Visit the Red Cross website for more information.

 The RDCK advises residents on Evacuation Alert to remain vigilant and be prepared to leave the area at a moment’s notice. It is recommended to prepare an emergency kit and ensure preparedness, including moving pets and livestock to a safe area, in the event the situation worsens and an Evacuation Order is enforced. Part of your plan should include where you can go if evacuated.

 Updates or changes to the Evacuation Order and Alert will be provided via the RDCK website, Facebook and Twitter. For details about evacuations and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo.

 For up to date information on current wildfire activity, conditions and prohibitions, call 1 888 3-FOREST (1 888-336-7378) or visit www.bcwildfire.ca.

 For more information about evacuations and emergency preparedness, along with other resources:

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