Possibility of ’ember showers’ from U.S. fire causes Grand Forks evacuation alert

GRAND FORKS – An evacuation alert has been issued for some residents of Grand Forks due to the possibilty of embers being blown across the border from the 19,000 hectare Stickpin wildfire in Washington State.

The alert was issued today, Aug. 26 ahead of strong winds expected in the coming days, according to a post on the BC Forest Fire Info Facebook page.

“The area covered under Evacuation Alert could be impacted by ember showers from Washington State,” the post says.

The Stickpin wildfire is just 17 per cent contained and has come within five kilometres of the B.C. border. B.C. crews have been deployed as heavy smoke is restricting airtankers and helicopters.

The B.C. firefighters may use Christina Lake for air operations while structural protection firefighters check to see if any properties in the Boundary region are threatened.

Smoke from the massive fire has caused visibility and air quality problems across B.C. but has helped keep local fires in check.

For more information on the order, areas affected as well as a household preparedness guide, visit the District’s website. 

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To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infonews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.