Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Silvia Senna

Ross Moore Lake fire

Tense times for evacuees and residents living near Ross Moore Lake fire

Jul 24, 2023 | 5:07 PM

KAMLOOPS — Pamela Mason is one of the many residents who had to leave their property due to the growing Ross Moore Lake wildfire and register at the Emergency Support Services Reception Centre at McArthur Island.

After living in Lac Le Jeune for seven years, Mason said she has never had to flee her home before, but is thankful she and her daughter are safe.

“This is all new to me, first close fire. Got all our stuff with us, kids are good, we’re safe. Thankful. Hopefully they’re fighting the fire today and the wind doesn’t shift on us… We’re just kind of waiting it out,” she said.

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In Knutsford, Matt Vanalstyne is under evacuation alert and ready to leave his property in case his situation turns into the same one as Mason’s.

“Keeping your gas tank full, having an emergency bag ready with snacks, water, most important belongings we’ll be able to take with us,” he said. “It is a nice reminder of life. Anything can happen. You just gotta live it, while you have a chance to.”

The Emergency Support Services reception centre has been active since Saturday and will remain active throughout the week or as long as necessary.

Amid all evacuation alerts and orders around the region, City of Kamloops Director of the Emergency Operation Services Greg Wightman is advising everyone to be prepare.

“The entire city should be doing everything they can to prepare. Firesmarting your homes is a really critical thing and also have a go bag ready, even if you are not under evacuation alert,” he explained.

Wightman also encourages everyone to download the Voyent Alert! app. He said it is the quickest way for residents to get information and updates on wildfires.

“It’s direct messaging from your local government about anything relevant to the fires. If we do put people under evacuation alert or people on alert have to go to order, you get a direct notification on your phone and it’s the best way for us to communicate urgent information.”

For more information, go to kamloops.ca.