A wildfire evacuation order has been issued for Alkali Lake for all persons along Highway 51 from west of Sawmill Lake to Glenora. Telegraph Creek, located five kilometres east, is not under the evacuation order at this time.
BC Wildfire Service says the lightning-caused fire is 100 hectares and growing. Three firefighters are on scene with more on the way. Air assistance is being provided by three helicopters and an air tanker.
Video courtesy Neoma Sampson
Two homes are under structural protection with resources on the way to cover more. At last report the fire was 300 metres from the nearest house.
The fire was discovered yesterday, Aug. 1. The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine issued a Declaration of State of Local Emergency and an Evacuation Order for the Vicinity of Alkali Lake Aug. 2 as the threat to property and safety became immanent.
As posted on the RDKS website, the Emergency Management Program requires residents affected by the wildfire to leave the area immediately and report to reception centre located at the Dease Lake Community Hall, 2102 1st Avenue, Dease Lake.
An unrelated 300-hectare lightning-caused fire is also burning near Elbow Lake, about 70 kilometres north of Dease Lake. According to BC Wildfire Services the fire is producing heavy smoke and is highly visible from Hwy 37.
Two cabins are receiving structural protection. One helicopter has been assigned.
More to come.
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