Several properties northeast of Pemberton near Gates Lake are on evacuation alert due to a wildfire burning out of control near Spetch Creek. The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) issued the alert on Sept. 17.
"Because of the potential danger to life and health," the SLRD issued an Evacuation Alert for the following properties:
- All SLRD properties between 8502 and 8972 Pemberton Portage Rd
- SLRD property at 190 Birkenhead River Rd
- All SLRD properties along Old Portage Rd
- All SLRD properties along Poole Creek Rd
- All SLRD properties as outlined in the attached map.
"An Evacuation Alert has been issued to prepare you to evacuate your premises should it be found necessary," the SLRD said on its website. "Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however, you may receive limited notice due to rapidly changing conditions."
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
- Pre-register for Emergency Support Services online at: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/
- Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside of the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Order be called while separated.
- Pack essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g., insurance, credit, and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependants and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.
- Prepare to move people who may need additional time to evacuate, children and/or neighbours who would require assistance.
- If transportation assistance is needed, call the SLRD Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at 604-698-9812.
- Prepare to take pets with you and move livestock to a safe area (if possible).
- Arrange transportation and accommodations for all your household members, if possible, and fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles.
- Wait for an Evacuation Order to be issued before evacuating.
Find updates at www.slrd.bc.ca or sign up for SLRD Alert for free at www.slrd.bc.ca/slrdalert to receive emergency notifications via email, text messages, and voicemail.
"The BC Wildfire Service continues to respond to the Spetch Creek wildfire (V33029), originating 13 kilometres northeast of Pemberton. The Spetch Creek wildfire is estimated to be 410 hectares in size, and the status is out of control," BCWS said in an info bulletin Sept. 17.
"Increased fire behaviour has prompted the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District to issue an evacuation alert for areas surrounding this incident. This alert takes effect at 17:00 Pacific Daylight Time (PST) on Sept. 17, 2023, and remains in effect until the alert is rescinded."
"The public is asked to stay away from this area for their own safety and the safety of responders and workers in the area."
