Emergency Info
Current Incidents
There are a couple of active wildfires within the East Kootenay at this time and an Evacuation ALERT is in effect on the Lussier River Fire.
The most valuable source of information on the current status of any wildfire in BC is the BC Wildfire Service website HERE.
If you see smoke or a wildfire, please use the BC Wildfire App to report it or call [hidden] from any landline or *5555 from your cellphone.
UPDATED - July 13, 2026 - 1pm
- The Evacuation ALERT remains in effect for 72 addresses in the Premier Lake area.
- Click here to view a map of the Alert and boundary map.
- If you plan on moving RV trailers or boats, the ALERT STAGE is the time to do that. If an Evacuation Order has been issued, there is no time to allow that to happen.
- The fire is currently estimated at 115 hectares in size and there has been no significant growth.
- The BC Wildfire Service has crews on the ground strenghtening containment lines around the fire and working to reinforce machine guard with wetline to help prevent the fire from spreading.
- Aviation resources have been active and will continue to support crews with suppression activities.
- If firefighting aircraft are nearby, clear the area and stay near the shore to avoid interfering with operations, especially in the Columbia Lake and Premier Lake areas.
-> The most detailed and up-to-date status of this fire and all other wildfires in BC can be found on www.bcwildfire.ca.
UPDATED - July 13, 2026 - 1:45pm
- Now classified as BEING HELD - which means it is not expected to grow beyond it's current perimeter or control lines.
- There are 3 initial attack crews working on this fire with helicopter support as needed
- It is estimated at 5 hectares in size
The most detailed and up-to-date status of this fire and all other wildfires in BC can be found on www.bcwildfire.ca.
- Anyone who has not yet signed up for the Regional Evacuation Notification System is urged to register today for this free, anonymous service. To register: Evacuation Notification System Sign Up / Information
- To learn more about how to prepare for emergencies, build an emergency kit or create a family emergency plan, visit www.PreparedBC.ca.
- To view the 2026 Wildfire Preparedness Newsletter, click here.
For information on the East Kootenay FireSmart Program, click HERE.
Resources
To view more specific information and resources, click on the linked pages:
- Evacuation Alerts & Orders
- Evacuation Notification System Sign Up / Information - Every resident and property owner in the East Kootenay is encouraged to sign up for the Evacuation Notification System.
- Personal Preparedness
- Emergency Support Services
- Drive BC - Current road conditions and closures
- BC Wildfire - Interactive map of current wildfire situation
- BC Wildfire - Southeast Fire Centre bans and restrictions
- Kootenay National Park - Fire information and updates
- FireSmoke.ca - Smoke forecast
- Air Quality Health Index - Air quality data map
To Report Emergencies:
For all life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1. Here are the numbers to call for other emergencies in the East Kootenay:
- FOREST OR WILDLAND FIRES: Cellphone: *5555 or [hidden]
- FLOODING: [hidden]
- OTHER (spills, landslides, avalanche): 9-1-1
For in-depth personal preparedness information, click here.
Last edited: Mon, July 13, 2026 - 2:56:35