Evacuation orders near Grand Forks, B.C., downgraded, but U.S. fire is still a threat

GRAND FORKS, B.C. — Wildfire officials say an evacuation order for the B.C. southern Interior town of Grand Forks, has been downgraded to an alert, even as an out-of-control wildfire in Washington state surges north and threatens to cross the border.

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary says residents must be ready to leave at a moment’s notice since the Goosmus wildfire remains a risk to life and safety.

Emergency Info BC says the updated alert, posted late Wednesday, is in place for west of Highway 41 and south of Highway 3, as well as properties west of Highway 3 from Sleepy Hollow Rd to Phoenix Rd.

It is advising everyone under alert to review their emergency plans and stock a grab-and-go bag.

The district says that when necessary, residents should leave via Highway 3, go to the Jack Goddard Memorial Arena in Grand Forks, and wait in their vehicles until the reception centre opens.

The district says if you cannot evacuate at that time, you should call 911.

The BC Wildfire Service dashboard says the fire was discovered Wednesday and is about two square kilometres in size.

Mark Stephens, director of the district’s emergency operations centre, called it “a very fast-moving and developing situation.”

“We ask everyone to stay vigilant and to keep checking the (regional district’s) website for information,” he said in an online statement.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 25, 2024.