BURST
A wildfire that was started by lightning on Saturday has led to an evacuation alert for all residents of Kimberley.
The Matthew Creek wildfire was spotted on July 18 and the City of Kimberley, in B.C.’s southeast, issued an alert the following day.
A separate wildfire nearby also led to an evacuation alert from the Regional District of East Kootenay.
All properties within the municipal boundaries of Kimberley, population about 9,000, are affected, along with 66 properties in the area of St. Mary Lake, close to the Tower Creek wildfire.
The Matthew Creek fire is estimated to be nearly six square kilometres in size and Tower Creek about half that size as of Monday.
“Given the current and forecasted conditions on both fires, particularly with ongoing hot, dry weather and little to no rain, the B.C. Wildfire Service has made the recommendation that evacuation alerts be issued,” said Kimberley Fire Chief Will Booth.
“This is the time for residents within both alert areas to ensure they are staying informed from factual sources, are registered for the regional evacuation notification system , and are taking steps to prepare themselves and their families should conditions worsen.”
The wildfire service is setting up control lines and guards in the Matthew Creek area and aircraft are headed to the fire burning in “steep, hazardous terrain,” the city said in its alert.
The city said anyone in the city or East Kootenay should register for alerts no matter where they live. Anyone without computer access can call the emergency information line at 250-426-2188 or 1-855-346-2188.