Update: An evacuation order is now in place for several properties near Anderson Lake, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District said early Thursday morning.
The order is for the following properties:
• 16405 Highline Road
• 17817 Highline Road
• 19000 Highline Road
• 19201 Highline Road
• 19219 Highline Road
• 19500 Highline Road
• 20100 Highline Road
"We are asking people to leave the area immediately, and evacuate south towards Pemberton," a communications official said.
"If emergency accommodations are required, residents can contact 1-888-800-6493 to register, and proceed to the Pemberton Valley Lodge (1490 Sea to Sky Highway/Highway 99) in Pemberton."
The evacuation alert was first issued last week due to the Casper Creek wildfire burning near Anderson Lake, northeast of Whistler and Pemberton. As of Thursday morning, the fire has grown to 528 hectares and is still burning out of control.
Meanwhile, an evacuation alert has been extended to nearly 100 more properties in the area. Find the full list and a map here.
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An out-of-control wildfire near Anderson Lake northeast of Whistler and Pemberton is now burning 270 hectares, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
As such, several properties in the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District's Area B remain on evacuation alert, and the Highline Road is currently closed (except to local traffic).
The Casper Creek fire, as it's referred to, is suspected to be lightning-caused.
The evacuation alert applies to the following properties:
- 16405 Highline Road
- 19201 Highline Road
- 20100 Highline Road
- 17817 Highline Road
- 19219 Highline Road
- DISTRICT LOT 2662 LILLOOET DISTRICT
- 19000 Highline Road
- 19500 Highline Road
- DISTRICT LOT 4711 LILLOOET DISTRICT
The surrounding area (as outlined in this map) is also under evacuation alert.
"An Evacuation Alert has been issued to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property 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."
Residents are advised to:
- 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 dependents and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.
- Prepare to move disabled persons, children and/or neighbours, if assistance is needed.
- 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.
- Fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles. If transportation assistance is needed, call the SLRD EOC at (604) 938-3546 or (604) 356 3082.
- Wait for an Evacuation Order to be issued before evacuating.
Further info will be posted to slrd.bc.ca and through the SLRD Alert Messaging service. Residents can subscribe for free at www.slrd.bc.ca/slrdalert to receive emergency notifications via email, text messages, and voicemail.
