The community of Telegraph Creek is being evacuated due to a wildfire burning near the village.
The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine issued the order Sunday afternoon due to the Alkali Lake Fire.
Residents are required to leave the affected areas immediately and report to the Reception Centre located at the Peoples Haven at 1 Stikine Street in Dease Lake, across the street from the Dease Lake Community Hall.
The RCMP and other agencies will be assisting with the evacuation on behalf of the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine.
In preparation for an evacuation:
- Locate all family members or co-workers and designate a safe meeting place.
- Prepare an emergency survical kit
- Gather prescriptions, medications, and identification for the entire family
- Listen to the radio and follow instructions from local emergency officials
- Shut off water, gas and electricity (before evacuating)
- Make arrangements for pets
- Wear appropraite clothing and footwear
- Lock your home
- Follow travel routes specified by emergency officials – do not take shortcuts!
- If you have evacuated register with Emergency Social Services Reception Centre located at the Peoples Haven at 1 Stikine Street in Dease Lake, phone number 250-771-5577, and across the street from the Dease Lake Community Hall.
The BC Wildfire Service says the Alkali Lake fire is it’s top priority in the Cassiar Fire Zone.
Fire Information Officer Carolyn Bartos says the fire has grown to 800 hectares and there is heavy smoke in the area.
Bartos says there are 55 firefighters are on site with air support from four helicopters, and 1 heavy helicopter, and two pieces of heavy equipment.