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Evacuation alert rescinded near Baynes Lake

Wildfire contained as crews continue to work on the blaze.

The BC Wildfire Service is being thanked for its efforts on the Baynes Lake area wildfire.

The fire has been contained and an evacuation alert that has been in place since Sunday has been lifted. “This is a good day,” says RDEK Board Chair Rob Gay.

“Things escalated very quickly on Saturday night when the fire broke out, and we are grateful for the tireless efforts of the crews, who have worked around the clock in trying conditions to bring the fire under control and protect our residents. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of our Emergency Social Services team, our Emergency Program personnel, our Jaffray and Baynes Lake fire fighters and the many volunteers who have also been doing everything they can to help support area residents.”

At the peak of the event in the early hours of Sunday morning, 200 people were evacuated from their homes in Kragmont and an area to the south. At the same time, the community of Baynes Lake and an area to the north were on Evacuation Alert. By Sunday afternoon, they were able to return home as the Evacuation Order was rescinded and an Evacuation Alert put in place. In total, 416 dwellings were on Alert in addition to a large number of recreationalists who have been camping in the area.

Further to the north, an Evacuation Order for one home in Spillimacheen was rescinded last night and an Evacuation Alert put in place for that residence. The Evacuation Alert that was issued on Sunday for the area south of the RDEK’s border to Westside Road in Spillimacheen remains in place.

With tinder-dry conditions and continued warm temperatures in the forecast, the RDEK urges everyone to use extreme caution.

For information on wildfires, visit the BC Wildfire Service website at www.bcwildfire.ca .

To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 or dial *5555 from a cell phone.