Update: 5:24 p.m.
The Shuswap Emergency Program (SEP) has expanded an evacuation order for properties in Seymour Arm, due to increased danger to life and safety from the Hunakwa Lake wildfire.
The order goes into effect at 8 p.m. on July 22.
The order is in effect for the following areas:
All properties within the community of Seymour Arm east and south of Seymour Arm Bay Road; Seymour River Road including Tipman Road, Bradley Road and all boat-in only properties in the vicinity of Tranquility Bay.
The order excludes the following addresses: 1142, 1158, 1306 Seymour Arm Bay Road.
Update: 1:21 p.m.
The successfully completed tactical evacuation for people in Seymour Arm was ordered around 12 a.m. on July 22. It was for around 60 people, according to Tracy Hughes, public information officer for the Columbia Shuswap Regional District’s (CSRD) Shuswap Emergency Program (SEP).
High winds were fuelling the 1,100-hectare Hunakwa Lake wildfire, which came within 100 metres of the nearest home.
“Firefighters on scene were able to use sprinklers and tactical resources to ensure that structure was protected,” said Hughes in a July 22 SEP video posted to Facebook around 11 a.m.
A structural protection unit and 13 CSRD firefighters are in Seymour Arm actively fighting the fire. The BC Wildfire Service has brought in two helicopters, which are bucketing the fire, as well as seven personnel. Heavy equipment is also on scene continuing to build fire guards in the area.
BC Wildfire and the SEP are monitoring the situation closely as winds are forecasted for the region.
Update: 9:56 a.m.
A tactical evacuation is complete for 39 people on the east side of Seymour Arm.
Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) firefighters went door-to-door to ensure people in the affected area had been notified and as of 3:25 a.m. on July 22, all are safe.
BC Wildfire and the CSRD fire crews are actively engaged in firefighting efforts in the community.
Original story:
An evacuation order has been issued for a number of properties located in Seymour Arm due to the Hunakwa Lake wildfire burning nearby.
The order was issued at 8 a.m. on Thursday (July 22) by the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, which said that the wildfire poses “an immediate danger to life safety.”
The order is in effect for the following properties:
- All residences within the community of Seymour Arm that are in the neighbourhood of Tranquility Bay.
- All properties east of Seymour Arm Bay Road and Seymour River Road at Bughouse Bay and including Tipman Road and Bradley Road and the boat-in only properties.
UPDATE: July 22, 2021 – 08:00 Hours – Pursuant to the Emergency Program Act, an Evacuation Order has been issued by the Shuswap Emergency Program due to an immediate danger to life safety caused by a wildfire burning near Seymour Arm.
See: https://t.co/vOb6wW1CUB#seymourarm pic.twitter.com/V4TRWtNFMA— Shuswap Emergency Program (@shuswapemerg) July 22, 2021
Residents within these zones are asked to leave the area immediately. The Regional District asked that evacuees report to the reception centre at the Lakeview Community Centre at 7703 Squilax-Anglemont Road in Anglemont to register, if they are unable to stay with family or friends.
Anyone who needs assistance with transportation from the area is asked to call 250-833-3350. Residents are reminded to take only critical items with them.
According to BC Wildfire Service, the Hunakwa Lake wildfire is burning at 1,100 hectares in size. What caused the fire is not yet known.
READ MORE: B.C. wildfires ‘graphic’ evidence of climate change, premier says
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