UPDATE: Wildfire evacuation ordered for Argenta and Johnsons Landing, and new alert issued for additional properties

Residents of Argenta and Johnsons Landing have been ordered to evacuate due to the threat of the Argenta Creek wildfire, and an evacuation alert has been issued for additional properties.

The Regional District of Central Kootenay announced the evacuation order at 12:20 a.m. on July 25 following a recommendation from BC Wildfire Service. It includes the communities of Argenta and Johnsons Landing as well as nearby rural areas in Electoral Area H.

A list and a map of the 191 properties can be found here. 

The RDCK news release gives the following instructions:

"Residents and Visitors are required to leave the Evacuation Order area immediately. Evacuated residents are asked to go to their pre-arranged emergency locations. Register for Emergency Support Services (ESS) in person located at the Kaslo Legion, 403 5^th St. OR register online at https://ess.gov.bc.ca or by calling 1-800-387-4258. For further assistance you can call the RDCK EOC public inquiry line at 250-352-7701.

"ESS may not be able to accommodate your pets, so make sure you have prepared your pets by having appropriate cages, food, water, and bowls, and ensure they are wearing identification. You may wish to arrange to have your pets cared for by family or friends.

"Access to the Evacuation Order area is being controlled. You will not be permitted to return to your home during the Evacuation Order unless it is safe to do so and you have been given permission by local officials and emergency personnel.

Evacuation alert

An evacuation alert has been issued for additional properties including 35 parcels in the Argenta Flats area, east of the Duncan River and the Duncan Lake Dam, south of Duncan Lake and Glacier Creek Regional Park, including Duncan FSR and Argenta Road.

A list of those properties and a map can be found here.

 At this time residents or visitors within the area are not required to evacuate. However, the RDCK advises people to remain vigilant and be prepared to leave the area at a moment’s notice. It is recommended to prepare an emergency kit and ensure preparedness, including moving pets and livestock to a safe area, in the event the situation worsens and an Evacuation Order is enforced. Part of your plan should include where you can go if evacuated.