Wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Galena Bay residents

Update: August 5, 8:40 p.m.

The Southeast Fire Centre has updated the size of the fire. Earlier today it was listed at 60 hectares, but has since increased to 120 hectares.

Original story, August 5, 2 p.m.

A wildfire on a mountainside five kilometres east of Galena Bay has prompted an evacuation alert for residents in the small rural community located near the Galena Bay ferry terminal.

The lightning-caused fire has been burning since July 13, but recent increase in fire activity has prompted the alert.

As of Aug. 5, the Southeast Fire Centre reports the modified response fire is at 60 hectares. Currently there are 14 firefighters, two helicopters and two pieces of heavy equipment working on the fire.

The evacuation alert is being managed through the Revelstoke and Area Emergency Management Program. For details on what to do, see the August 5 media release below the image:

The fire in question is barely perceptible on the top left of the mountain here, pictured on July 29. Most of the residences in Galena Bay (pictured) are located near the shore of the lake. It has since increased in size in the hot, dry weather. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer

MEDIA RELEASE: Revelstoke and Area Emergency Management Program

EVACUATION ALERT

An Evacuation Alert has been issued by staff at the Revelstoke and Area Emergency Operations Centre.

A Wildfire burning southeast of Galena Bay has brought a potential safety risk. Because of the potential

danger to life and health, the Revelstoke and Area Emergency Management Program has issued an

This image shows the evacuation alert area bounded by a yellow line. The red areas are fire activity. Photo: Revelstoke RCMP

Evacuation Alert for the following areas:

– Galena Bay Area near Highway 23 and 31 (as shown on attached map)

An Evacuation Alert has been issued to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property

should it be found necessary.

Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation, if required;

however you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN AN ALERT IS IN EFFECT

Upon notification of an  ALERT, you should be prepared for the evacuation order by:

• Refer to Emergency Info BC’s guide –

http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/what-to-do-if-evacuatedfrom-

your-home

• Locating all family members or co-workers and designate a meeting place outside

the evacuation area, should an evacuation be called while separated.

• Gathering essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e.

insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes

(photographs, etc). Have these items readily available for quick departure.

• Preparing to move any disabled persons and/or children.

• Moving pets and livestock to a safe area.

• Arranging accommodation for your family if possible. In the event of an evacuation,

Reception Centres will be opened if required.

• Monitoring news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of Reception

Centres.

Further information will be issued at 3:00 pm Aug 5/17 or should the situation change,

sooner.

For more information contact: Revelstoke Emergency Operations Centre at 1-250-805-

2020.