A 75-hectare wildfire that’s burning about 20 kilometres southwest of Salmo and south of the Salmo River has prompted the Regional District of Central Kootenay to issue an evacuation alert for the McCormick Creek area.

This fire started near McCormick Creek, east of Pend D’Oreille River, on the evening of Aug. 8, 2017. It is burning in steep terrain close to power lines and is exhibiting aggressive fire behaviour. Due to potential safety risks, ground crews were relocated to safer ground, but they continue to work on this fire.

Twenty BC Wildfire Service personnel were fighting this fire with the aid of four helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment.

As a precautionary measure, the Regional District of Central Kootenay issued an evacuation alert on Aug. 9, 2017. For more information about this alert, people should call 250 352-7701 or visit the district’s website at www.rdck.ca.

The Southeast Fire Centre extends from the U.S. border in the south to the Mica Dam in the north and from the Okanagan Highlands and Monashee Mountains in the west to the B.C.-Alberta border in the east. The Southeast Fire Centre includes the Selkirk Natural Resource District and the Rocky Mountain Natural Resource District.

To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call *5555 on a cellphone or 1 800 663-5555 toll-free. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

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