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Cranbrook, BC (July 20, 2023) – The BC Wildfire Service has recommended that the City of Cranbrook owned properties and leased areas at the Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) to be placed under an Evacuation Alert, as a result of the fire activity today and tonight with the St. Mary’s River Wildfire on Thursday, July 20, 2023.

Earlier tonight (July 20, 2023) based on similar recommendations by the BC Wildfire Service, the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has issued an EVACUATION ALERT for 71 dwellings as a result of the St. Mary’s River Fire which includes the airport property.

“The airport being within the evacuation alert area is positive as the community here will be prepared to act accordingly if needed. This change of status, capturing YXC within the alert area will not impact flights as all required staffing and operational needs continue while on alert,” says Tristen Chernove, Airport Manager, Canadian Rockies International Airport. “As we’ve seen, flight cancellations can occur due to smoke, but most flights have been operating and we expect on time scheduled flights to be continuing.” 

If flight cancellations or schedule changes do occur, passengers will be contacted by their carrier. Currently most flights are showing on time as per the schedule.

The City of Cranbrook will share additional information about any changes to this situation as it becomes available.

All residents of the East Kootenay are strongly encouraged to register for the Regional Evacuation Notification System through the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) if they have not already done so. This is a free service that will immediately notify you if your property is the subject of an evacuation alert or order. It can sometimes take several hours to complete a door-to-door notification, and this system can send thousands of notifications out in under a minute. It’s an incredibly helpful tool when every second counts.” To learn more or to register, visit the Emergency Information Page on www.rdek.bc.ca or contact the Information Line for assistance. 

The information line number is 250-426-2188 or toll free 1-855-346-2188 and, when not staffed, will have a recorded message with the most updated information on the St. Mary’s River Fire. 

The BC Wildfire Service has implemented an Area Restriction for an area that extends to the north and west of the Reserve at ʔaq̓am. A copy of the Area Restriction map and detailed fire updates are available on the Wildfire of Note page on www.bcwildfire.ca.