Hundreds on evac alert

UPDATE 6:55 p.m.

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary says 156 residences are currently on evacuation order and 567 are on evacuation alert due to the Goosmus wildfire.

A sweeping evacuation order was issued for areas "west of Highway 41 and south of Highway 3. Any properties west of Highway 3 from Sleepy Hollow Rd to Phoenix Rd."

Evacuees are being asked to check into the Red Cross reception centre at the Grand Forks arena after 7 p.m.

In an updated posted to social media just after 5:30 p.m, RDKB said no structures had been lost to the wildfire at the time and calmer winds and some rain was being observed.

The BC Wildfire Service said in an update posted at 6 p.m. it is deploying crews and structure protection resources to the Grand Forks area as weather conditions push the Goosmus wildfire north towards the border.

"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 update states.

The out of control wildfire was last estimated to be 200 hectares in size.

“This is a very fast moving and developing situation,” EOC Director Mark Stephens said in an update on the RDKB's website.

“We ask everyone to stay vigilant and to keep checking the RDKB website for information.”

Residents on evacuation alert can pre-register online for emergency support services.

UPDATE: 5:15 p.m.

Grand Forks Mayor Everett Baker is urging local and nearby residents to heed evacuation orders and alerts as crews continue to battle the Goosmus wildfire.

A sweeping evacuation order was issued for areas "west of Highway 41 and south of Highway 3. Any properties west of Highway 3 from Sleepy Hollow Rd to Phoenix Rd."

Evacuees should head to Jack Goddard Memorial Arena, 2020 Central Avenue, in Grand Forks.

"If you are in these evacuation areas, we encourage you to get out and head to the arena immediately," Baker said.

"Don't go roaming, let the [crews] do their work, just leave ... make your way to arena where you're safe."

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary advises that the emergency reception centre will be open within the hour, and those evacuees who arrive beforehand should stay in their vehicle.

UPDATE: 5 p.m.

An evacuation warning has been issued for a wide area in the southern interior due to the Goosmus wildfire.

"Evacuate immediately if you are in the following areas: west of Highway 41 and south of Highway 3. Any properties west of Highway 3 from Sleepy Hollow Rd to Phoenix Rd," reads a provincial update Wednesday.

Evacuate to Jack Goddard Memorial Arena, 2020 Central Avenue, in Grand Forks.

Anyone unable to evacuate by themselves should call 9-1-1.

The alert warns that the Goosmus wildfire "poses a threat to human life."

DriveBC is also reporting "limited visibility" on Highway 3 west of Grand Forks, though no formal closure of the highway at this time.

UPDATE: 4:40 p.m.

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary is undertaking an unspecified number of "tactical evacuations" due to what has now been dubbed the Goosmus Wildfire.

The fire sparked Wednesday afternoon near Danville, WA and quickly grew towards Canada.

Grand Forks and surrounding area residents watched smoke billow in high winds.

Castanet reporter Colin Dacre is on the ground and reports that city residents are watching and worried, as trees candle not far from properties.

The RDKB emergency operations centre has been activated.

A representative told Castanet about the tactical evacuations, and confirmed that Grand Forks Fire Department and BC Wildfire Service crews are on scene. They also added that it is a "developing situation" and more information will be made available.

A City of Grand Forks social media post indicates those under evacuation alert or order should go to the Jack Goddard Arena to check in.

Photo: Robert Linden

ORIGINAL: 4 p.m.

A large plume of smoke is highly visible to residents of the Grand Forks area Wednesday afternoon.

The plume is south of the area, reportedly just beyond nearby U.S. border.

Residents report the plume sparked following storm activity.

The City of Grand Forks is expected to release a statement. Castanet will have more to come.