SLRD issues evacuation alert as wildfire north of Pemberton burns out of control

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District  (SLRD) has issued an evacuation alert for properties in the vicinity of Birkenhead Lake Estates and Blackwater Road due to an “out of control” wildfire.

According to a media release on Wednesday evening, the SLRD has issued the alert based on recommendations from BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) and because of the potential danger to public safety”.

The fire at Birkenhead Lake was started by a lightning strike. The blaze jumped from 360 hectares yesterday to 435 hectares this morning, and now 558 hectares as of Wednesday evening. It is the largest of four out of control wildfires in the Pemberton zone.

Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park was also closed to the public on Aug. 8 to protect public safety. People have been warned to avoid the area.

An evacuation alert allows residents to prepare to evacuate their premises should it be found necessary. The SLRD said that homeowners will be given as much advance notice as possible before evacuation. However, “rapidly changing conditions” could result in limited notice.

The following properties are included in the alert:

• LOT A DISTRICT LOT 4895 LILLOOET DISTRICT PLAN 21690
• LOT B DISTRICT LOT 4895 LILLOOET DISTRICT PLAN 21690 – BIRKENHEAD LAKE ESTATES
• 2530 Blackwater Rd
• 2559 Blackwater Rd
• 2655 Blackwater Rd
• 2672 Blackwater Rd
• 2675 Blackwater Rd
• 2770 Blackwater Rd
• 2791 Blackwater Rd
• 2801 Blackwater Rd
• 2811 Blackwater Rd
• 2821 Blackwater Rd
• 2831 Blackwater Rd
• 2841 Blackwater Rd
• 2851 Blackwater Rd
• 2857 Blackwater Rd
• 2867 Blackwater Rd
• 2873 Blackwater Rd
• 2895 Blackwater Rd
• 2938 Blackwater Rd
• 2999 Blackwater Rd
• DISTRICT LOT 969 LILLOOET DISTRICT EXCEPT PLANS KAP51260 AND KAP58768
• DISTRICT LOT 1106 LILLOOET DISTRICT
• DISTRICT LOT 741 LILLOOET DISTRICT

A map of affected properties is available here.

Locals affected by this alert should take the following steps:

• Pre-register for Emergency Support Services online at: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/
  Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside of the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Order be called while separated.
• Pack essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g., insurance, credit, and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependants and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.
• Prepare to move people who may need additional time to evacuate, children and/or neighbours who would require assistance.
• If transportation assistance is needed, call the SLRD Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at 
  604-356-3082
• Prepare to take pets with you and move large animals and livestock to a safe area (if possible).
• If you are a livestock producer, ensure that you have your Premise ID in the event that you require support if an Evacuation Order is issued.
• Arrange transportation and accommodations for all your household members, if possible, and fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles.
• Wait for an Evacuation Order to be issued before evacuating.

Further information will be posted in notices at www.slrd.bc.ca and through the SLRD Alert Messaging service.  Residents can subscribe to SLRD Alert for free at www.slrd.bc.ca/slrdalert to receive emergency notifications via email, text messages, and voicemail.