NEWS RELEASE
Trail, BC
September 2, 2021
2:00 p.m. PT
Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire (K52061)
Alerts Rescinded
Trail, BC – The evacuation alert for residents in the Mount Baldy area due to the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire has been rescinded.
Cooler temperatures and lighter winds have enabled fire personnel to make progress on suppression efforts.
According to the BC Wildfire Service, 61 personnel are still actioning the fire with assistance from 9 pieces of heavy equipment.
“We are grateful to residents for their understanding, patience and cooperation during what has been a stressful event,” said Mark Stephens, Emergency Operation Centre Director. “Our Emergency Operations Centre is thankful to everyone who has followed the alert,” adding that the RDKB’s primary concern is public safety.
The RDKB’s Emergency Operations Centre will now stand down. Residents are still encouraged to sign up for the Emergency Alert System and to check with the BC Wildfire Service for wildfire activity around the province.
View the Rescind Notice
View the rescind map and addresses
Reminders:
· Register for the RDKB Emergency Alerting System at: https://voyent-alert.com/ca/community/#registration.
· Check road conditions at https://drivebc.ca/
· Check current wildfire activity at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/wildfire-situation (BC Wildfire is the lead agency for information about wildfires in the Province)
INFORMATION BULLETIN
August 27 update on the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire (K52061)
Trail, BC
August 27, 2021
2:30 p.m. PT
View on the RDKB website: https://rdkb.com/newsreleases.aspx
The structural protection equipment at Mount Baldy has been demobilized.
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary thanks residents for their cooperation and support during this event.
Note that new information is highlighted.
According to the BC Wildfire Service:
- The fire has experienced minimal growth recently due to cooler temperatures and some precipitation.
- Fire guards have been built near Mount Baldy and toward the northeast corner of the fire.
- 98 personnel are actioning the fire, along with 2 helicopters and 38 pieces of heavy equipment.
- Residents can get up-to-day information on the fire from the BC Wildfire Service’s Fire of Note webpage
Reminders:
For more information:
- 24-hour Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre: 1.800.663.3456
- The RDKB emergency website: emergency.rdkb.com
- RDKB Emergency Operations Centre: 1.888.747.9119 (between 8am and 4pm)
- Social media: Twitter @RDKB_Emergency or Facebook @rdkbdotcom
- Local media
The RDKB will continue to update the public as new information is available.
INFORMATION BULLETIN
August 20 update on the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire (K52061)
Trail, BC
August 20, 2021
3:45 p.m. PT
BCWFS working towards downgrading evacuation order to alert
Note that new information is highlighted.
According to the BC Wildfire Service:
- The BC Wildfire Service is working towards downgrading the evacuation order to an alert early next week.
- The fire is 2.3 kilometres west of Mount Baldy.
- Personnel will conduct small burn-offs to deal with unburnt fuel as weather conditions permit.
- BCWFS personnel as well as structure protection units are in place 24 hour per day within the Mount Baldy resort area.
- Personnel continue to build containment guards in the north and the north east.
- 171 firefighters have been deployed, along with 24 pieces of heavy equipment and seven helicopters.
- The fire is now estimated to have burned 20,066 hectares.
123 addresses remain on evacuation order and 34 addresses are on evacuation alert in Electoral Area E/West Boundary. A full list of addresses as well as maps of the evacuation order and alert areas in the RDKB are available at emergency.rdkb.com.
Reminders:
(note that Temporary Access Permits are suspended until further notice).
For more information:
The RDKB will continue to update the public as new information is available.
INFORMATION BULLETIN
August 18 update on the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire (K52061)
Trail, BC
August 18, 2021
3:45 p.m. PT
BCWFS working towards downgrading evacuation order to alert
Note that new information is highlighted.
According to the BC Wildfire Service:
- The weather outlook for the next few days is favourable.
- The BC Wildfire Service is working towards recommending downgrading the evacuation order to an alert early next week.
- The fire is 2.3 kilometres west of Mount Baldy.
- Personnel will conduct small burn-offs to deal with unburnt fuel as weather conditions permit.
- BCWFS personnel as well as structure protection units are in place 24 hour per day within the Mount Baldy resort area.
- Personnel continue to build containment guards in the north and the north east.
- 215 firefighters have been deployed, along with 36 pieces of heavy equipment and seven helicopters.
- The fire is now estimated to have burned 20,066 hectares.
- 123 addresses remain on evacuation order and 34 addresses are on evacuation alert in Electoral Area E/West Boundary. A full list of addresses as well as maps of the evacuation order and alert areas in the RDKB are available at emergency.rdkb.com.
Reminders:
(note that Temporary Access Permits are suspended until further notice).
For more information:
The RDKB will continue to update the public as new information is available.
INFORMATION BULLETIN
August 17 update on the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire (K52061)
Trail, BC
August 17, 2021
2:00 pm PT
Note that new information is highlighted.
- According to the BC Wildfire Service:
- The fire has been less aggressive over the last 24 hours due to milder conditions and lower winds.
- The fire is still 2.5 kilometres west of Mount Baldy.
- BCWFS personnel as well as structure protection units are in place 24 hour per day within the Mount Baldy resort area.
- Personnel are now building containment guards in the north and the north east.
- 219 firefighters have been deployed, along with 37 pieces of heavy equipment and seven helicopters.
- The fire is now estimated to have burned 20,066 hectares.
- 123 addresses remain on evacuation order and 34 addresses are on evacuation alert in Electoral Area E/West Boundary. A full list of addresses as well as maps of the evacuation order and alert areas in the RDKB are available using the links at the top of this page.
Reminders:
(note that Temporary Access Permits are suspended until further notice).
For more information:
The RDKB will continue to update the public as new information is available.
INFORMATION BULLETIN
August 16 update on the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire (K52061)
Note that new information is highlighted.
According to the BC Wildfire Service:
- The fire experienced heightened activity over the weekend due to gusting winds of up to 60 km/hr.
- The fire jumped containment guards at the western base of Mount Baldy and is now approximately 2.5 km west of Mount Baldy.
- 20 BCWFS personnel as well as structure protection units are in place within the Mount Baldy resort area.
- Personnel are now assessing where the next containment guards will be placed.
- Airtankers have laid retardant lines to prevent spread of the fire into the drainage to the north.
- 213 firefighters have been deployed, along with 23 pieces of heavy equipment and seven helicopters.
- The fire is now estimated to have burned 17,812 hectares.
- 123 addresses remain on evacuation order and 34 addresses are on evacuation alert in Electoral Area E/West Boundary. A full list of addresses as well as maps of the evacuation order and alert areas in the RDKB are available at emergency.rdkb.com.
Reminders:
(note that Temporary Access Permits are suspended until further notice).
For more information:
The RDKB will continue to update the public as new information is available.
INFORMATION BULLETIN
August 13 update on the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire (K52061)
Trail, BC
August 13, 2021
3:15 p.m. PT
Note that new information is highlighted.
· According to the BC Wildfire Service:
o Fire behavior has been relatively stable.
o The fire is still estimated at 17,472 hectares.
o Crews are strengthening the guards on the south, south-east and east flanks prior to the shift in winds which is expected over the weekend.
· Please note that all Temporary Access Permits have been suspended. The EOC will work with the BC Wildfire Service and reassess this on Monday, August 16th.
· 123 addresses remain on evacuation order and 34 addresses are on evacuation alert in Electoral Area E/West Boundary. A full list of addresses as well as maps of the evacuation order and alert areas in the RDKB are available at emergency.rdkb.com.
Reminders:
· Register for the RDKB Emergency Alert System at: https://voyent-alert.com/ca/community/#registration
· If you are an evacuee, please register with Emergency Support Services (EES)
· Stay out of areas under Evacuation Order
· Check road conditions at https://drivebc.ca/
· View current wildfire activity at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/wildfire-situation (BC Wildfire is the lead agency for information about wildfires in the Province)
· Should commercial livestock operators/ranchers need access to their animals, they are asked to contact the RDKB EOC Director at em@rdkb.com or 250.368.7037
(note that Temporary Access Permits are suspended until further notice).
For more information:
The RDKB will continue to update the public as new information is available.
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Trail, BC
August 12, 2021
4:00 p.m. PT
August 12 update on the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire (K52061)
View on the RDKB website: https://rdkb.com/newsreleases.aspx
Note that new information is highlighted.
The RDKB issued 10 Temporary Access Permits to residents in the Mount Baldy area for August 12, 2021 to collect essential items left behind after they evacuated.
However, given recent fire behavior and a forecast of sustained gusty winds and temperatures in the low 30s, the RDKB is SUSPENDING temporary access to residents on August 13, 14 and 15, on the advice of the BC Wildfire Service.
The RDKB will reassess the situation on Monday, August 16th.
· According to the BC Wildfire Service:
o The fire is now estimated to have burned 17,472 hectares.
o Structural protection assessments were reviewed and updated in the Mount Baldy area on August 11th.
o 98 Mexican firefighters continue to work within high priority areas of the fire in the south and east areas.
· 123 addresses remain on evacuation order and 34 addresses are on evacuation alert in Electoral Area E/West Boundary. A full list of addresses as well as maps of the evacuation order and alert areas in the RDKB are available at emergency.rdkb.com.
Reminders:
· Register for the RDKB Emergency Alert System at: https://voyent-alert.com/ca/community/#registration
· If you are an evacuee, please register with Emergency Support Services (EES)
· Stay out of areas under Evacuation Order
· Check road conditions at https://drivebc.ca/
· View current wildfire activity at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/wildfire-situation (BC Wildfire is the lead agency for information about wildfires in the Province)
· Should commercial livestock operators/ranchers need access to their animals, they are asked to contact the RDKB EOC Director at em@rdkb.com or 250.368.7037
(note that Temporary Access Permits are suspended until further notice).
For more information:
he RDKB will continue to update the public as new information is available.
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Trail, BC
August 11, 2021
1:30 p.m. PT
Temporary access to homes near Mt. Baldy for Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire evacuees
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Emergency Operation Centre in cooperation with the BC Wildfire Service has arranged for residents under evacuation order in the Mt. Baldy area of Electoral Area E/West Boundary to access their properties on August 12.
Access will be provided with the following conditions:
- Access for full-time Mt. Baldy residents only
- One person per household
- Access to gather essential items or undertake essential tasks at homes
- Proof of residency will be required
- Two access windows are available: 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. or 9:00 to 11:00 am.
- Access could be revoked at any time if fire activity increases
- Residents are asked to turn off all running water when they leave their property, including any sprinklers
Residents wishing to access their full- time Mt.Baldy property can register by calling 1-888-747-9119.
Currently, temporary residents or those who own vacation or vacant property will not be allowed access. RCMP will be on site and will conduct a sweep of the area to ensure everyone has left the area by 11:00 a.m.
Residents are asked to use extreme caution in the area as emergency personnel have set up structural protection equipment near homes and all equipment must remain in place.
Mt. Baldy residents will have no access to Whiskey Jack Road from Cougar road, but can reach Whiskeyjack Road from Porcupine Road.
There have been no changes to evacuation alerts or orders. Evacuation orders remain in place for 123 addresses in Electoral Area E/West Boundary. A further 34 addresses remain on evacuation alert.
A full list of addresses as well as maps of the evacuation order and alert areas in the RDKB are available at emergency.rdkb.com.
The RDKB EOC assesses evacuation alerts and orders daily in discussions with the BC Wildfire Service. Our focus is the safety of residents. We will inform residents as soon as evacuation orders are rescinded and it is safe for people to return to their homes fulltime.
Register for the RDKB Emergency Alerting System at https://ca.voyent-alert.com/vras/user-registration.html or through emergency.rdkb.com.
For more information:
The RDKB will continue to update the public as new information is available.
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Trail, BC
August 10, 2021
3:30 p.m. PT
August 10 update on the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire (K52061)
View on the RDKB website: https://rdkb.com/newsreleases.aspx
Note that new information is highlighted.
- According to the BC Wildfire Service:
- The Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire is 0% contained, and categorized as out of control. It is estimated to have burned 17,469 hectares.
- A task force of structural protection crews and engines will continue to patrol to protect assets along McKinney Road and in other areas of the fire and will also action hotspots that are found during patrols.
- A large contingent of crews and are focusing on the northwest flank of the fire, where steep terrain and increased fire behavior may challenge suppression efforts.
- Crews continue to establish machine and contingency guards around the perimeter of the fire in a methodical manner. These guard lines will be reinforced using hand and aerial ignitions when conditions allow.
- Properties near Mt. Baldy are being continually assessed for structural protection needs.
- A warm, drying trend has returned to the area. Temperatures will increase and humidity will decrease over the coming days. Winds will be from the south west. Fire behavior is expected to increase on a daily basis.
- There have been no changes to evacuation alerts or orders. Evacuation orders remain in place for 123 addresses in Electoral Area E/West Boundary. A further 34 addresses remain on evacuation alert.
- The RDKB EOC assesses evacuation alerts and orders daily in discussions with the BC Wildfire Service. Our focus is the safety of residents. We will inform residents as soon as evacuation orders are rescinded and it is safe for people to return to their homes.
- The B.C. government is teaming up with the Red Cross to provide B.C. households impacted by the wildfire with a one-time payment of $1200.00.
- To be eligible for the payment, evacuees must be evacuated from their primary place of residence due to an evacuation order for 10 consecutive days or longer – this is the only qualification requirement. These payments will not impact eligibility for supports provided through the ESS program (ess.gov.bc.ca)
- Evacuated British Columbians can access the support by registering with the Red Cross by calling 1 800 863-6582, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (PT). The payments will be sent by e-transfer.
- For those under evacuation orders for more than 10 consecutive days, applications will be accepted until 30 days after the evacuation order is lifted.
- A full list of addresses as well as maps of the evacuation order and alert areas in the RDKB are available at emergency.rdkb.com.
Register for the RDKB Emergency Alerting System at https://ca.voyent-alert.com/vras/user-registration.html or through emergency.rdkb.com.
For more information:
The RDKB will continue to update the public as new information is available.
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Trail, BC
August 8, 2021
4:00 p.m. PT
August 8 Update: Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire (K52061)
Note that new information is highlighted.
- According to the BC Wildfire Service:
- The Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire is 0% contained, and categorized as out of control. It is estimated to have burned 17,469 hectares.
- Crews will continue to establish machine and contingency guards around the perimeter of the fire in a methodical manner. These guard lines will be reinforced using hand and aerial ignitions when conditions allow.
- Today a large contingent of crews and helicopters will focus on the northwest flank of the fire, where steep terrain and increased fire behavior may challenge suppression efforts. This is being done to keep the fire out of the front country.
- Properties near Mt. Baldy are being continually assessed for structural protection needs.
- A warm, drying trend has returned to the area. Temperatures will increase and humidity will decrease over the coming days. Winds will be from the south west. Fire behavior is expected to increase on a daily basis.
- There have been no changes to evacuation alerts or order. Evacuation orders remain in place for 123 addresses in Electoral Area E/West Boundary.
- The RDKB EOC assesses evacuation alerts and orders daily with the BC Wildfire Service. We understand the importance of allowing residents to return to their homes as soon it is safe to do so.
- The B.C. government is teaming up with the Red Cross to provide B.C. households impacted by the wildfire with a one-time payment of $1200.00.
- To be eligible for the payment, evacuees must be evacuated from their primary place of residence due to an evacuation order for 10 consecutive days or longer – this is the only qualification requirement. These payments will not impact eligibility for supports provided through the ESS program (ess.gov.bc.ca)
- Evacuated British Columbians can access the support by registering with the Red Cross by calling 1 800 863-6582, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (PT). The payments will be sent by e-transfer.
- For those under evacuation orders for more than 10 consecutive days, applications will be accepted until 30 days after the evacuation order is lifted.
- A full list of addresses as well as maps of the evacuation order and alert areas in the RDKB are available at emergency.rdkb.com.
Register for the RDKB Emergency Alerting System at https://ca.voyent-alert.com/vras/user-registration.html or through emergency.rdkb.com.Anyone on evacuation alert should prepare for the possibility of an evacuation
order by doing the following:
- Locate those people in your household or family group and designate a meeting place outside the evacuation alert area should an evacuation order be issued while you are separated from one another.
- Arrange accommodations with family or friends outside the area.
- Gather essential items: The 5 P’s (People, Pets, Prescriptions, Papers and Photos).
- Prepare to move any disabled persons and /or children.
- Move pets and livestock to a safe area outside the area.
- Monitor news sources for additional information.
- If an order is issued, residents must leave their homes immediately.
For more information:
The RDKB will continue to update the public as new information is available.
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Trail, BC
August 5, 2021
1:00 p.m. PT
Evacuation Alert Update: Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire (K52061)
Alerts Downgraded
Trail, BC – Evacuation alerts have been rescinded for 286 properties in Electoral Area E/West Boundary in the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB), 34 properties have been downgraded from evacuation order to evacuation alert, while another 123 properties remain on evacuation order due to the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire.
The order and alert areas in the RDKB affect the communities of Sidley, Mount Baldy, Bridesville and Rock Creek in Electoral Area E/West Boundary. A full list of addresses as well as maps of the evacuation order and alert areas are available here:
“We understand how stressful it is for residents who are on evacuation alert or order,” said Mark Stephens, Emergency Operation Centre Director. “Our Emergency Operations Centre is thankful to everyone who has followed the order and alert as public safety is our primary concern.”
An evacuation alert prepares residents to evacuate should an evacuation order be issued. Anyone on evacuation alert should prepare for the possibility of an evacuation order. Click here for information on how to prepare for a wildfire.
If an order is issued, residents must leave their homes immediately.
The RDKB urges all residents and visitors to continue to stay alert and informed. They are also encouraged to sign up for the emergency notification system at emergency.rdkb.com so they can receive any alerts the RDKB may issue related to wildfires or other emergencies.
Anyone in the West Boundary who needs assistance signing up to receive emergency/evacuation alerts can go to the Midway or Greenwood public libraries, to the Riverside Centre in Rock Creek or to the Beaverdell Post Office during business hours and a volunteer will help them sign up.
Reminders:
• Register for the RDKB Emergency Alerting System.
• If you are an evacuee, please register with Emergency Support Services (EES).
• Stay out of areas under Evacuation Order
• Check road conditions at https://drivebc.ca/
• Check current wildfire activity at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfirestatus/wildfire-situation (BC Wildfire is the lead agency for information about wildfires in the Province)
• Should commercial livestock operators/ranchers need access to their animals, they are asked to contact the RDKB EOC Director at em@rdkb.com or 250.368.7037
The RDKB will continue to update the public as new information becomes available.
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Trail, BC
August 3, 2021
2:30 p.m. PT
August 3rd update on the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire (K52061)
Note that new information is highlighted.
- According to the BC Wildfire Service:
- Over the weekend, fire growth was observed on the northeastern flank, however cooler and more humid weather has helped the firefighting efforts.
- The fire is now estimated to have burned 16,005 hectares.
- 186 firefighters, six helicopters and 24 pieces of heavy equipment have been deployed.
- 157 addresses are on evacuation order and 283 addresses are on evacuation alert in Electoral Area E/West Boundary. A full list of addresses as well as maps of the evacuation order and alert areas in the RDKB are available at emergency.rdkb.com.
- Anyone evacuees needing assistance can access services through ess.gov.bc.ca over the long weekend.
Register for the RDKB Emergency Alerting System at https://ca.voyent-alert.com/vras/user-registration.html or through emergency.rdkb.com.Anyone on evacuation alert should prepare for the possibility of an evacuation
order by doing the following:
- Locate those people in your household or family group and designate a meeting place outside the evacuation alert area should an evacuation order be issued while you are separated from one another.
- Arrange accommodations with family or friends outside the area.
- Gather essential items: The 5 P’s (People, Pets, Prescriptions, Papers and Photos).
- Prepare to move any disabled persons and /or children.
- Move pets and livestock to a safe area outside the area.
- Monitor news sources for additional information.
- If an order is issued, residents must leave their homes immediately.
For more information:
The RDKB will continue to update the public as new information is available.
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Trail, BC
July 30, 2021
3:30 PM PT
July 30 update on the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire (K52061)
Note that new information is highlighted.
- According to the BC Wildfire Service:
- Yesterday, fire growth was observed on the north and northeastern flanks, primarily driven by wind, fuel type, and dry conditions.
- The fire is now estimated to have burned 13,000 hectares. This is a rough estimate based on observed growth; heavy smoke conditions have prevented accurate mapping over the past week. The last aerial mapping occurred on July 23, 2021, showing 6,871 hectares.
- In areas northeast of the fire including Mt. Baldy Resort, personnel will continue with structural protection and FireSmart activities on properties around the resort. Heavy equipment remains on site and is continuing with line location, and construction and reinforcement of guards to the southeast of Mt. Baldy Resort.
- Fire activity has been moderate with mostly surface fire and some trees torching. The fire is still active but not as challenging. Heavy equipment has made good progress on the eastern cat guard. Firefighting personnel and heavy equipment remain on site overnight doing structure protection.
- RDKB Emergency Operations Centre core staff are available through the long weekend to respond to any emergencies related to the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire or other emergencies.
- A new Information Officer has arrived in the EOC to provide vacation relief. Contact information is: Anitra Winje, EOC Information Officer; 250.777.2635 or corporate@rdkb.com.
- Evacuees are asked to register with the Red Cross online at ess.gov.bc.ca
- Register for the RDKB Emergency Alerting System at https://ca.voyent-alert.com/vras/user-registration.html or on this website.
The RDKB will continue to update the public as new information is available.
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Trail, BC
July 29, 2021
1:00 PM PT
RDKB downgrades 91 evacuation orders to alerts in Area E/West Boundary
On the advice of the BC Wildfire Service, emergency officials at the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) have rescinded evacuation orders for 91 properties in the Sidley and Bridesville areas of Electoral Area E/West Boundary and placed those properties on evacuation alert. This change leaves 157 properties on evacuation order and 283 properties on evacuation alert due to the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire.
The properties being downgraded to alert are on the north side of Highway 3 between the westerly boundary of RDKB (250 metres west of Sidley Mountain Road) to Mt. Baldy Road at the Canyon Bridge and north to McKinney Creek.
Work to control the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire continues. If fire behaviour changes and the threat to people and property increases, evacuation orders and alerts could once again be reinstated or expanded.
A full list of addresses included in this evacuation order rescission along with maps are available on this site.
The RDKB encourages all residents to register for the RDKB Emergency Alerting System at https://ca.voyent-alert.com/vras/user-registration.html or on this website. Registrants can choose to be notified by telephone landline, cell phone, text, or email.
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Trail, BC
July 28, 2021
4:00 PM PT
July 28 update on the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire (K52061)
Note that new information is highlighted.
- According to the BC Wildfire Service:
- An Incident Management Team, 134 firefighters, five helicopters, 46 structure protection personnel, 26 pieces of heavy equipment and numerous other support positions are working on the Nk’Mip Creek wildfire. In total, there are 244 personnel currently committed to the response operation.
- Fire activity has been moderate with mostly surface fire and some trees torching. The fire is still active but not as challenging. Heavy equipment has made good progress on the eastern cat guard. Firefighting personnel and heavy equipment remain on site overnight doing structure protection.
- The BC Wildfire Service has implemented an Area Restriction Order for the vicinity of the Nk'Mip Creek wildfire (K52061). View information about this Area Restriction including a map on their Wildfires of Note web page: Wildfires of Note (gov.bc.ca)
- The fire has burned more than 6,800 hectares, and the BC Wildfire Service will update fire size when conditions allow.
- 248 addresses are on evacuation order and 192 addresses on evacuation alert in Electoral Area E/West Boundary. The order and alert areas in the RDKB affect the communities of Sidley, Mount Baldy, Bridesville and Rock Creek. A full list of addresses as well as maps of the evacuation order and alert areas in the RDKB are available at emergency.rdkb.com.
- If you are ordered to evacuate, you are expected to leave your property. Ignoring an evacuation order puts you, your animals and emergency personnel at risk.
- Evacuees are asked to register with the Red Cross online at ess.gov.bc.ca or in person at the evacuation centre in the Village of Midway at the Boundary Expo Recreation Centre at 734 Seventh Avenue.
- Register for the RDKB Emergency Alerting System at https://ca.voyent-alert.com/vras/user-registration.html or on this website.
The RDKB will continue to update the public as new information is available.
Trail, BC
July 27, 2021
2:45 PM PT
July 27 update on the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire (K52061)
Note that new information is highlighted.
- According to the BC Wildfire Service:
- Fire behaviour held steady last night and operations were normal.
- Winds are out of the north 10-15km/h this morning with local gusts out of the west. Winds are expected to shift to southwest later in the day with afternoon gusts.
- Heavy machinery has made good progress along the east contingency line (Mt Baldy/Sidley Meadow areas) and work will continue today.
- The fire remains approximately seven to eight kilometres west of Mt. Baldy.
- The fire has burned an estimated 6,800 hectares, and the BC Wildfire Service will update fire size when conditions allow.
- An additional 100 firefighters from Mexico have joined suppression efforts.
- Shaw internet and t.v. outages continue between Midway and Christina Lake due to a line burned in the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire. Access to the site is restricted due to ongoing wildfire activity. Shaw reports that their technicians will undertake repairs when they have clearance to do so from emergency officials and FortisBC.
- For those who still have internet access, updates are available on their website. Shaw customers can subscribe to those at https://support.shaw.ca.
- 248 addresses are on evacuation order and 192 addresses on evacuation alert in Electoral Area E/West Boundary. The order and alert areas in the RDKB affect the communities of Sidley, Mount Baldy, Bridesville and Rock Creek.
- A full list of addresses as well as maps of the evacuation order and alert areas in the RDKB are available at emergency.rdkb.com.
- An Evacuation Centre is set up in the Village of Midway at the Boundary Expo Recreation Centre at 734 Seventh Avenue. Register online at ess.gov.bc.ca or in person at the evacuation centre.
- Register for the RDKB Emergency Alerting System at https://ca.voyent-alert.com/vras/user-registration.html or through emergency.rdkb.com.
STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY EXTENSION - JULY 27th
Trail, BC
July 27, 2021
2:30 PM PT
Extension Request for State of Local Emergency
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Trail, BC
July 26, 2021
4:00 PM PT
July 26 update on the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire (K52061)
Note that new information is highlighted.
According to the BC Wildfire Service:
- The fire has burned an estimated 6,800 hectares, and BC Wildfire will update fire size when the smoke clears enough to allow them to see it.
- Today, 43 firefighters are on the fireline, receiving assistance from five helicopters and 46 pieces of heavy equipment. An Incident Management Team and other support positions make the total number of personnel on the Nk’Mip Creek wildfire 146. An additional 100 firefighters have arrived in Canada from Mexico and will join suppression efforts on the Nk’Mip Creek wildfire tomorrow.
- Strategic burnout operations and cat-guards along the west side of the fire have been successful at preventing the fire in that direction. Heavy equipment is working to create guards around an excursion across Camp McKinney Road. Line location and heavy equipment are working on a new machine guard ahead of the fire's east flank that will connect with the south machine guard.
- Fire behaviour continues to be aggressive and challenging as conditions remain hot and dry.
The RDKB thanks all residents of the West Boundary for sharing important wildfire information with their neighbours and watching out for one another. This is a very difficult and scary time for a lot of people. We all need to work together.
248 addresses are on evacuation order and 192 addresses on evacuation alert in Electoral Area E/West Boundary. The order and alert areas in the RDKB affect the communities of Sidley, Mount Baldy, Bridesville and Rock Creek.
A full list of addresses as well as maps of the evacuation order and alert areas in the RDKB are available at https://emergency.rdkb.com.
An Evacuation Centre is set up in the Village of Midway at the Boundary Expo Recreation Centre at 734 Seventh Avenue. Register online at ess.gov.bc.ca or in person at the evacuation centre.
Register for the RDKB Emergency Alerting System at https://ca.voyent-alert.com/vras/user-registration.html or through https://emergency.rdkb.com.
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Trail, BC
July 24, 2021
11:00 AM PT
RDKB orders an additional 126 properties to evacuate in Area E/West Boundary due to Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire
Emergency officials at the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary have issued evacuation orders to an additional 126 properties in and around the Baldy Mountain neighbourhood of Electoral Area E/West Boundary as the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire continues to grow. The total number of properties now under evacuation order is 248, and 192 properties remain on evacuation alert until further notice.
The new area now under evacuation order had been on evacuation alert since July 20. The BC Wildfire Service confirmed with the RDKB overnight that residents would need to leave the area this morning.
The evacuation order area includes Mt Baldy Ski Resort extending east to include the west side of Fish Lake West Road, Belchrome Forest Service Road and Conkle Lake Provincial Park. All evacuation orders and alerts along with a complete list of addresses and maps of the applicable areas are available at emergency.rdkb.com. Evacuation orders are delivered to each household by emergency personnel. Evacuation alerts are not.
Anyone ordered to evacuate should gather only essential belongings and exit along Highway 3 toward the Village of Midway where an evacuation centre is set up at the Boundary Expo Recreation Centre (the arena) at 734 Seventh Avenue. The centre is open for in-person registration and assistance until 8:00 p.m. on July 24 and open again at 10:00 a.m. July 26. Evacuees can register online anytime at Evacuation Registration and Assistance: https://ess.gov.bc.ca.
Note that McKinney Rd is closed at the intersection of Mount Baldy Road down to Oliver. Please check DriveBC for any other information about highways in the area.
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Trail, BC
July 23, 2021
4:00 PM PT
July 23 update on the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire (K52061)
Note that new information is highlighted.
- According to the BC Wildfire Service: High temperatures and wind speeds have resulted in heightened wildfire activity and increased smoke. Improved visibility has allowed them to get a new estimate of the fire size. The fire is now estimated at 6,800 hectares.
- Yesterday, there was significant fire spread to the north towards McKinney Road. Crews and industry partners continued to work through the night to protect structures and critical infrastructure.
- Heavy equipment continues to be used to build fire guards. The terrain is steep and rocky in some areas which can limit the use of equipment. Crews have been working hard to FireSmart properties. They are removing the available fuels, aiming to reduce the risk of the fire impacting interface areas.
- 122 addresses remain on evacuation order in Electoral Area E/West Boundary.
- 318 addresses remain on evacuation alert in Electoral Area E/West Boundary.
- The order and alert areas in the RDKB affect the communities of Sidley, Mount Baldy, Bridesville and Rock Creek in Electoral Area E/West Boundary.
- A full list of addresses as well as maps of the evacuation order and alert areas in the RDKB are available at emergency.rdkb.com
- The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has issued new evacuation orders affecting the Anarchist Mountain area south of Highway 3. Those orders are available at https://emergency.rdos.bc.ca/
- A new Evacuation Centre is set up in the Village of Midway at the Boundary Expo Recreation Centre at 734 Seventh Avenue.
- All evacuees are asked to register online at https://ess.gov.bc.ca or in person at the evacuation centre.
- Anyone in the West Boundary who needs assistance signing up to receive emergency/evacuation alerts can go to the Midway or Greenwood public libraries, to the Riverside Centre in Rock Creek or to the Beaverdell Post Office during business hours and a volunteer will help them sign up.
- The RDKB asks all residents to register for the RDKB Emergency Alerting System at https://ca.voyent-alert.com/vras/user-registration.html
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Trail, BC
July 22, 2021
4:15 PM PT
July 22 update on the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire (K52061)
Note that new information is highlighted.
- According to the BC Wildfire Service, new mapping of Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire will be completed once smoke allows aircraft to see the ground better.
- The fire is currently mapped at 2,000 hectares, that is expected to change after new mapping is completed.
- 122 addresses remain on evacuation order in Electoral Area E/West Boundary.
- The number of addresses on evacuation alert has increased from 304 to 318 with the inclusion of a mobile home park on the easterly edge of the alert area in Rock Creek.
- The order and alert areas in the RDKB affect the communities of Sidley, Mount Baldy, Bridesville and Rock Creek in Electoral Area E/West Boundary.
- A full list of addresses as well as maps of the evacuation order and alert areas in the RDKB are available at emergency.rdkb.com.
- The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has issued new evacuation orders affecting the Anarchist Mountain area south of Highway 3. Those orders are available at https://emergency.rdos.bc.ca/
- A new Evacuation Centre is being set up in the Village of Midway at the Boundary Expo Recreation Centre at 734 Seventh Avenue and will open at 10 a.m. on July 23 to continue to serve evacuees in that area.
- A total of 13 people accessed the Evacuation Centre in Grand Forks at the Jack Goddard Memorial Arena. It will close today.
- All evacuees are asked to register online at ess.gov.bc.ca or in person at the evacuation centre.
- The RDKB asks all residents to register for the RDKB Emergency Alerting System at https://ca.voyent-alert.com/vras/user-registration.html or through emergency.rdkb.com.
- Anyone in the West Boundary who needs assistance signing up to receive emergency/evacuation alerts can go to the Midway or Greenwood public libraries, to the Riverside Centre in Rock Creek or to the Beaverdell Post Office during business hours and a volunteer will help them sign up.
The RDKB will continue to update the public as new information is available.
NEWS RELEASE
Trail, BC
July 21, 2021
4:45 PM PT
122 properties remain on evacuation order, 304 on evacuation alert in West Boundary
An evacuation order remains in place for 122 properties in Electoral Area E/West Boundary in the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) and a further 304 properties remain on evacuation alert due to the 2000-hectare Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire that is burning in both the RDKB and the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen.
The order and alert areas in the RDKB affect the communities of Sidley, Mount Baldy, Bridesville and Rock Creek in Electoral Area E/West Boundary. A full list of addresses as well as maps of the evacuation order and alert areas are available at emergency.rdkb.com.
“It’s difficult to be ordered to evacuate or to have to be ready to leave your home at a moment’s notice. Its even more difficult if you have cattle or livestock you also need to move, which is the case for many residents in the West Boundary. RDKB staff are working with the BC Cattlemen’s Association and the BC Wildfire Service to improve communication with ranchers and farmers during emergencies,” said Area E/West Boundary Director Vicki Gee.
"The Boundary region is dry, hot and extremely susceptible to wildfire right now with these evacuation orders and alerts affecting over 400 residents in the Boundary. We need any visitors to the RDKB to stay clear of the areas where active alerts and orders are in place,“said RDKB Chair Diane Langman.
"We are asking all residents and visitors to please stay alert, informed and sign up for our emergency/evacuation notification system at emergency.rdkb.com so they can receive any alerts the RDKB may issue related to wildfires or other emergencies.”
Anyone in the West Boundary who needs assistance signing up to receive emergency/evacuation alerts can go to the Midway or Greenwood public libraries, to the Riverside Centre in Rock Creek or to the Beaverdell Post Office during business hours and a volunteer will help them sign up.
The RDKB has set up an evacuation centre at the Jack Goddard Memorial Arena at 2020 Central Avenue in Grand Forks. All evacuees are asked to register online at ess.gov.bc.ca or in person at the evacuation centre. People who are under mandatory evacuation in British Columbia can also register with the Red Cross by calling 1-800-863-6582, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., PT. Registration with the Red Cross ensures people are accounted for, can be contacted while away from home, and can also be reached with information on further Red Cross services and assistance that may become available to them during this time of need.
Anyone on evacuation alert should prepare for the possibility of an evacuation order by doing the following:
If an order is issued, residents must leave their homes immediately.
The RDKB asks all residents to register for the RDKB Emergency Alerting System.
For more information:
The RDKB will continue to update the public as new information is available.
Trail, BC
July 20, 2021
6:00PM PT
State of Local Emergency in Area E/West Boundary with 122 properties ordered to evacuate,
304 on alert due to Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has declared a state of local emergency in Electoral Area E/West Boundary due to the Nk’Mip Creek Wildfire’s advance eastward from the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen into the RDKB. The RDKB has ordered residents at 122 addresses to evacuate their properties immediately and placed a further 304 properties on evacuation alert in advance of a forecast for increased winds.
Properties ordered evacuated are on the north side of Highway 3 between the westerly boundary of RDKB (250 metres west of Sidley Mountain Road) to Mt. Baldy Road at the Canyon Bridge and north to the BC Hydro power lines.
The evacuation alert area extends northward from the BC Hydro power lines to Mt. Baldy Ski Resort; southward from Highway 3 to the Canada-US border; and eastward from Mt. Baldy Road at the Canyon Bridge to Rock Creek below the switchback.
A full list of addresses ordered evacuated along with a map of the evacuation order and alert areas is available from the links at the top of this page. Evacuation orders are delivered to each household by emergency personnel. Evacuation alerts are not.
Anyone ordered to evacuate should gather only essential belongings and exit along Highway 3 toward the City of Grand Forks where an evacuation centre is now being set up. All evacuees are asked to register online at ess.gov.bc.ca or in person at the Jack Goddard Memorial Arena at 2020 Central Avenue in Grand Forks.
People who are under mandatory evacuation in British Columbia can also register with the Red Cross by calling 1-800-863-6582, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., PT. Registration with the Red Cross ensures people are accounted for, can be contacted while away from home, and can also be reached with information on further Red Cross services and assistance that may become available to them during this time of need.
“We have issued these orders and alerts because BC Wildfire has informed us of the potential for a change in the prevailing winds that could push the wildfire to burn more in a southeasterly direction into dry fuels,” said Mark Stephens, EOC Director.
Anyone on evacuation alert should prepare for the possibility of an evacuation order by doing the following:
If an order is issued, residents must leave their homes immediately.
The RDKB asks all residents to register for the RDKB Emergency Alerting System.
The RDKB will continue to update the public as new information is available.