Armstrong rescinds evacuation alert
The evacuation alert covering the City of Armstrong has been lifted.
The evacuation alert, issued on Aug. 15 when the White Rock Lake wildfire was raging, was lifted as of 11:30 a.m. today, Aug. 18.
“Although we welcome this reprieve from evacuation alert, the City of Armstrong encourages residents to remain vigilant, stay connected, and to keep their items packed in the event that the situation evolves,” reads a press release from the city. “The White Rock Lake wildfire is still considered out of control and the situation is fluid.”
The city was able to rescind the alert thanks to an increase in precipitation and humidity, lower temperatures and relaxed winds throughout the days of Aug. 16 and 17. Local officials will continue monitoring the White Rock Lake wildfire, along with their partners from the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Fire Department, Emergency Management BC, BC Wildfire and neighbouring communities.
READ MORE: Wildfire evacuation orders downgraded to alerts north of Vernon
While under evacuation alert, city staffers worked diligently to ensure emergency procedures would have been up to date, accurate and quickly available should the alert have been upgraded to an order.
“The community’s most vulnerable have been identified and mechanisms for assistance to relocate are in place. The City’s critical infrastructure has been evaluated and emergency measures for protection are clearly identified,” according to the press release. “A complete review of the communication systems is underway with the goal to ensure that our residents can obtain accurate information in the case of future emergencies.”
Any new updates will be posted through the City’s emergency operations centre here.
READ MORE: Evacuation order reduced to alert in Spallumcheen
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