It's difficult to think about business when unchecked wildfires are threatening the homes and lives of so many of our Shuswap neighbours.
As of today, the communities of Lee Creek and Scotch are under evacuation alert by the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District (CSRD). The BC Wildfire Service continues to report some “significant southeastward” growth on the Lower East Adams Lake Fire, which is now an estimated 100 square kilometers in size. What's most concerning is that the forecast for tonight (August 17) and tomorrow includes risk of high winds and thunderstorms -- exactly what we don't need as this fire rages around us.
The reality is that we could see an escalation of the evacuation alert to an evacuation order at any minute. We urge our neighbours on the North Shore to keep in mind how vulnerable we are given that we have just one primary exit route (the Squilax-Anglemont Road), and to heed the alert and the order to evacuate if it materializes.
There are actions you can take right now. We urge you to pre-register for Emergency Support Services at Scotch Creek Lee Creek Fire Hall between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., as long as the evacuation alert is in place. We also urge you to pre-plan and arrange for emergency accommodation if required. Make sure you have your grab-and-go-bags filled with important personal items like medication, glasses and important documents packed and readily available. Those who need to leave their property should also bring their grab-and-go bags in case the alert is upgraded to an order while they’re away, as they won’t be able to return to their property.
Also, please make sure you have the Alertable App downloaded to your phone. And you should prepare now to have enough resources on hand to shelter in place for 72 hours.
Meanwhile, if you're not a North Shore resident but would like to help, we urge you to sign up and offer shelter to those evacuated by fires.
Stay abreast of the latest news about this wildfire by clicking here. Here are some other important links:
More critical tips and information can be seen in the graphic below.
