Evacuation Order issued for Grand Forks area due to US wildfire pushing towards Canadian border

An Evacuation Order has been issued by the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) for the Grand Forks area because of a wildfire burning in the United States and moving north towards the Canadian border.

The evacuation alert was issued just before 5 p.m. Wednesday by Emergency Info BC because the Goosmus Wildfire poses a “threat to human life.”

It says anyone west of Highway 41 and south of Highway 3, and anyone in properties west of Highway 3 from Sleepy Hollow Rd to Phoenix Rd must evacuate immediately.

In a social media post to X, the RDKB says Highway 3 between Hwy 41 and Phoenix Road is currently closed because of the wildfire.

Emergency Info BC says people can evacuate east along Highway 3 to Jack Goddard Memorial Arena, 2020 Central Avenue.

It is advising those unable to evacuate to call 911.

The RDKB says at this time 156 residences are on evacuation order, while 113 residences are on evacuation alert.

It says Red Cross emergency support services will be opening a reception centre at the Grand Forks Arena. It will be open after 7 p.m.

“Evacuated residents are to stay in their vehicles until the reception centre is opened, likely within the hour,” the RDKB website says.

The BC Wildfire Service says the Goosmus wildfire was first discovered Wednesday in Washington State and is burning out of control at 200 Hectares.

It says the current weather conditions are pushing this wildfire north towards the Canadian border.

The suspected cause is under investigation.

“The BC Wildfire Service is currently deploying crews and structure protection resources to the Grand Forks area,” BCWS said on its website.

“Washington State has crews, heavy equipment, and air support en route. BC Wildfire Service is currently mobilizing unit crews to the area to support the regional fire departments.”

The district is asking people to check back on its website for new developments.