In the interest of public safety, the Regional District of East Kootenay has implemented a partial evacuation order for the Moyie Lake area and an evacuation alert for the St. Mary’s River area effective immediately Sept. 1, 2017.

The Lamb Creek wildfire is located about five kilometres northwest of the community of Moyie and 18 kilometres southwest of Cranbrook. This 220-hectare wildfire is in difficult terrain containing volatile fuel types that will challenge fire suppression operations. Today there are 35 personnel on site building fire guards with the aid of six pieces of heavy equipment, five helicopters and airtankers.

The St. Mary’s River wildfire is located 14 kilometres northeast of Cranbrook in the St. Mary's Reserve. This 250-hectare wildfire has 12 personnel on site today working with airtankers, helicopters and heavy equipment. The cause of this fire is under investigation.

For detailed information about this evacuation order and alert, people should call the Regional District of East Kootenay at 250 426-2188 or visit the district’s website at: http://www.rdek.bc.ca   

With increased wind activity expected in the Southeast Fire Centre, paired with the hot and dry conditions continuing in the region, the BC Wildfire Service is anticipating an increase in fire behaviour as we head into the long weekend.

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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