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Erratic wind conditions at a wildfire burning on the North Shore outside of Nelson prompted an Evacuation Alert on Saturday night.
Residents between Sitkum Creek South and Willow Point (Six Mile Lake Lakes Road) are affected by the Evacuation Alert. The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) says there are about 350 homes in the impacted area. These residents are not required to evacuate, but they should be prepared to leave with very short notice.
Area of the Evacuation Alert for the Duhamel/Sitkum Creek Fire. (Photo Credit: RDCK)
The Evacuation Alert was put in place at 10:45 p.m. Saturday night, and RDCK warns that the alert could be followed by an immediate order to evacuate if conditions worsen. If there is an Evacuation Order, residents should vacate using Highway 3A or an identified alternative route.
The Sitkum Creek fire was discovered on Saturday, July 4th and it experienced significant growth. At about 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, the BC Wildfire Service reported that the fire was about 60 hectares. As of Sunday morning, the fire has more than doubled to an estimated 150 hectares.
The wildfire is located about 4 km north of Kootenay Lake, between Sitkum and Duhamel Creeks. The fire has a full response, including helicopters and multiple airtanker groups. The blaze is highly visible from Nelson, surrounding areas, and Highway 3A.
The cause of the wildfire is currently under investigation.
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