UPDATE: 8:00 p.m.
The human-caused Merry Creek Wildfire has burned 15 hectares of land near Castlegar. The BC Wildfire Service considers the fire out of control.
The BC Wildfire Service are assisting local fire departments with 25 firefighters, two helicopters and two airtankers.
Ground crews will continue supporting fire departments overnight.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay has expanded its evacuation order for properties surrounding the Merry Creek Fire.
A total of 31 properties in Area J just outside of the City of Castlegar boundaries are now included in the order.
The Evacuation area covers residential addresses on 14th Ave., Fernwood Drive, Highway 3, Killough Road, Lucas Ave, Lucas Road, Mason Road and Merry Creek Forest Service Road.
The evacuation orders for properties within the City of Castlegar have been downgraded to evacuation alerts. The city says the decision was made based on the current status of the Merry Creek Wildfire and favourable weather expected overnight.
Residents of Castleview Care Centre are spending the night at the Castlegar Community Complex.
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UPDATE: 6:00 p.m.
The BC Wildfire Service has listed the Merry Creek Fire burning in Castlegar as human caused.
More evacuation orders have been put in place as the fire has crossed highway and is now burning on both sides of Highway 3, which remains closed to traffic.
The Castlegar Emergency Operations Centre reports the portion of the fire within city limits is contained, but the fire continues to burn near the Merry Creek Forest Services Road.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay has now declared a state of emergency in Area J due to the fire.
Within the city, evacuation orders are in place for Meadowbrook Drive, Tassone Place, Highland Drive and the Castleview Care Centre.
At 5:20 p.m. an evacuation alert was issued for 14th Avenue north of Highway 3, Forest Road and Grosvenor Place.
All of the residents of Castleview Care Centre have been safely evacuated.
In the RDCK, evacuation orders are in place for addresses on 14th Ave., Fernwood Drive, Highway 3, Killough Road, Lucas Ave., Lucas Road, Mason Road and Merry Creek Forest Service Road.
Residents and visitors are required to leave the affected area immediately and report to the reception centre at the Castlegar & District Community Complex, 2101 6th Ave., and let them know you are under an Evacuation Order. Short-term assistance for immediate needs of food, shelter, and clothing is provided by Emergency Social Services volunteers through this centre.
This reception centre may not be able to accommodate your pets, so make sure you have prepared your pets by having appropriate cages, food and food/water/bowls, and ensure they are wearing identification. You may wish to arrange to have your pets cared for by family or friends.
Updates will be provided on the RDCK Emergency Information Page. Affected residents under order can call 250-352-7701.
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UPDATE: 3:30 p.m.
According to the Castlegar Emergency Operations Centre, the portion of the fire within city limits has been contained, but still burning northwest of Hwy 3 near the Merry Creek Forest Services Road.
All those evacuated from Castleview Care Centre have been transported to the Castlegar and District Recreation Centre.
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EVACUATION ORDER
As of 2:22 p.m., evacuation orders are in place for Meadowbrook Drive, Tassone Place, Highland Drive and the Castleview Care Centre.
Currently there are no Evacuation Alerts.
Those under Evacuation Order or if you need further information please go to the Castlegar and District Recreation Centre, 2101 6th Avenue.
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A fire is burning above Meadow Brook Drive in south Castlegar.
Fire crews are on scene and the Emergency Operations Centre has been activated at the Castlegar Fire Hall.
The fire is being attacked from both the ground and the air and fire departments from across the region are assisting in the response.
More to come …
READ MORE: 90% of Lytton destroyed in wildfire, injuries reported
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