Splatsin extend evacuation alert

Aug 10, 2021 | 5:10 AM

An evacuation alert by Splatsin has been extended until Friday, August 13 at 11:59 p.m. based on the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service. The White Rock Lake Fire (K61884) is approximately 25 km away from Salmon River IR #1.

An evacuation alert means that all community members of an area are on standby and should be ready to evacuate quickly if upgraded to an evacuation order.

Kukpi7 (Chief) Wayne Christian and the EOC Director took a helicopter tour over the fire Monday to get a better look at the fire which is classified as Out of Control by the Wildfire Service.

“Splatsin established an EOC on August 6 in response to the fire which is comprised of Splatsin staff and contracted experts and is working closely with the BC Wildfire Service and Emergency Management BC,” said Christian.

A structural protection crew has been hired to protect properties in the lower and upper Salmon River. The crews are meeting residents this week and compiling detailed information about each household such as phone numbers, special requirements, structural details, hazards, and much more.

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Community members under an evacuation alert are being urged to prepare in the event of an evacuation order, which requires that residents leave immediately. Splatsin recommends the below measures with resources available on the website.

Prepare a Grab & Go Kit for each resident of your household
Protect your property from fire
Develop an evacuation plan for your home
Familiarize yourself with your neighbourhood’s evacuation plan available at splatsin.ca
Monitor daily updates splatsin.ca and the BC Wildfire Service

In the event of an evacuation order, Splatsin and local emergency personnel will deliver information door-to-door and publish it online. For now, updates are available daily at splatsin.ca.

Splatsin has also opened the parking lot at the Community Centre to evacuees of the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) who would like to park their recreational vehicles.

“This year has been a difficult time for people,” said Christian. “With COVID-19, the 215+ children showing themselves, and now the wildfires. I ask people to think about how to take care of themselves (yecwmenstsút) and each other (knucwentwecw).”

by Pete McIntyre

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