Hundreds in Slocan Valley under evacuation alert due to wildfire near Castlegar

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NELSON (NEWS 1130) — Hundreds of homes in the Slocan Valley are under evacuation alert due to a wildfire burning north of Castlegar.

The Talbot Creek Wildfire was sparked by lightning last weekend and grew to 200 hectares by Saturday.

“After Friday evening’s significant wind event, the fire has become more active and is producing significant smoke, which is highly visible from the Slocan Valley as well as surrounding communities,” says a release from the Regional District of Central Kootenay.

Residents of 305 homes in Lebahdo, Little Slocan, Passmore, and Vallican are being told to prepare to leave the area “at a moment’s notice.”

“With the continued hot and dry weather, and the potential for changing winds Sunday night and into Monday, the Southeast Fire Centre has recommended the Evacuation Alert as a precaution and to allow people in the area to prepare themselves,” said Chris Johnson, Director of the Emergency Operations Centre in a statement.

“If you are affected by the alert, please take the time now to prepare to evacuate yourself and your family should an evacuation be required.”

Dozens of firefighters, six helicopters, and ground crews with heavy equipment have been sent to fight the fire.

The BC Wildfire Service reports the fire is 3.5 km northeast of Highway 6 and approximately 30 km north of Castlegar.

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