Merry Creek Wildfire

On July 1, 2021, a wildfire broke out between Highway 3 and Meadowbrook Drive. It quickly grew, leapt the highway, and threatened homes and a seniors care facility within the City and others within the Regional District of Central Kootenay. The fire was quickly contained, and thankfully no structures within the City were damaged. The City asked for feedback from the public,. Council, and staff to identify what went well, what could have been done better (or different), and what lessons we learned so the City can improve its emergency response services. View the summary of lessons learned report to Council here.

Saturday, July 3

12:30 hrs

Merry Creek Wildfire Evacuation Alerts within the City of Castlegar have been lifted.

This includes:

Meadowbrook Drive
Tassone Place
Highland Drive
Castleview Care Centre
14th Avenue North of Highway 3
Forest Road
Grosvenor Place

The City’s Emergency Operations Centre’s decision to lift the Alerts was made based on BC Wildfire Service’s most recent assessment of the wildfire which is 90 per cent contained and expected to be 100 per cent contained by tomorrow.

“Words cannot express how thankful we are for fire fighters from our community, surrounding areas, and the province, both on the ground and in the air, who kept our community and residents safe.” says Mayor, Kirk Duff. “We are also grateful for the outpour of community support offered to those impacted by the wildfire – it was truly amazing.”

With the warm temperatures and dry conditions, the City encourages all residents to be prepared. Learn more about what you can do here.

Friday, July 2

8:30 hrs

The City of Castlegar's Evacuation Alert remains in effect for:

Meadowbrook Drive
Tassone Place
Highland Drive
Castleview Care Centre
14th Avenue North of Highway 3
Forest Road
Grosvenor Place

Regional District residents can find information at rdck.ca or by calling 250.352.7701.

Find the most current information on the Merry Creek Wildfire on the BC Wildfire Services site here.

Visit DriveBC for information on road conditions and closures.

Thursday, July 1

19:00 hrs

Based on the current status of the Merry Creek Wildfire and favourable weather expected overnight, the Evacuation Order issued at 14:22 hrs has been rescinded but the areas remain under an Evacuation Alert. This is for the following areas:

Meadowbrook Drive
Tassone Place
Highland Drive
Castleview Care Centre

During this Evacuation Alert, those impacted should be ready to leave their home on short notice and should listen to local emergency officials for further information on the situation. Residents should get your grab-and-go bags ready (which should include several days of clothing, toiletries and medications), your emergency plan, copies of important documents and important mementos.

The Evacuation Alert issued earlier today remains in place. This is for:

14^th Avenue North of Highway 3
Forest Road
Grosvenor Place

See the map below showing the properties under Evacuation Alert.

17:20 hrs

The City has issued an Evacuation Alert for the following:

14^th Avenue North of Highway 3
Forest Road
Grosvenor Place

During an evacuation alert, this is the time to get prepared to leave your home on short notice. Get your grab-and-go bags ready (which should include several days of clothing, toiletries and medications), your emergency plan, copies of important documents and important mementos.

We are still waiting on a general phone number for the Emergency Services for evacuated residents at the Castlegar & District Community Complex and will share it as soon as possible.

Get the most current info on the Merry Creek Wildfire on this webpage.

16:43 hrs

RDCK Declares State of Local Emergency in Electoral Area J. Find all the information on the RDCK website here.

15:30 hrs

The fire within City limits has been contained but still burning North West of Hwy 3 near the Merry Creek Forest Services Road.

All those evacuated from Castleview Care Centre have been transported to the Castlegar and District Recreation Centre.

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14:22 hrs July 1, 2021 Evacuation Orders are in place for:

Meadowbrook Drive
Tassone Place
Highland Drive
Castleview Care Centre

Currently, there are no Evacuation Alerts at this time.

Those under Evacuation Order or if you need further information please go to the Castlegar and District Recreation Centre, 2101 6^th Avenue.

Currently, Highway 3 Crowsnest Pass west of Castlegar is closed and traffic is being diverted through Trail, BC. Please check DriveBC for more information.

Documents

Evacuation Alerts Rescinded

19:00 hrs Evacuation Order Rescind to Alert

Evacuation Alert

Evacuation Order

Declaration of Local State of Emergency