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Edgewood, Needles threatened by Michaud Creek fire, farm needs help to save animals

Desperate plea for help

UPDATE 4:57 p.m.

A desperate plea for help is going out in an effort to save hundreds of animals from a wildfire near Edgewood.

The community has been placed under an evacuation order due to the Michaud Creek fire.

Area resident Lisa Murray told Castanet via email an ostrich farm at 301 Langille Road has become an animal/livestock rescue hub as families leave the area.

“They are dropping off their animals at this farm. The Espersons are staying behind to save as many animals as possible with soaker hoses as their farm borders the river. With over 500 animals - oats and barley are needed to feed the animals,” said Murray.

Another neighbour, Jen, told Castanet “the owners of the farm are choosing to stay and protect their property and livestock as they’ve lost their house once before (to fire). They are in desperate need of feed. If there’s anybody that has access to a helicopter that could drop feed for animals as they are going to run out.”


ORIGINAL 4 P.M.

An evacuation order has been issued for the Kootenay communities of Edgewood and Needles.

“On the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service, the Regional District of Central Kootenay has expanded its evacuation order for the Michaud Creek wildfire in Electoral Area K to include the communities of Edgewood and Needles north to Whatshan Lake for a total of 356 properties,” a statement on the RDCK website reads.

Communications co-ordinator Dan Elliott says residents are being evacuated via Highway 6, to Kelowna.

A list of addresses on the evacuation order can be found here.

Residents and visitors are required to leave the evacuation order area immediately.

Evacuated residents are asked to go to their pre-arranged emergency locations and register online with Emergency Support Services.

If an evacuee does not have a pre-arranged location and require support, they are being asked to report to Kelowna Community Church, 1480 Sutherland Ave.

The Needles Ferry is closed due to risk from the Octopus Creek wildfire on the other side of Arrow Lake. Highway 6 west of Edgewood is open for residents affected by the evacuation order only, and not to regular traffic.

Short-term assistance for immediate needs of food, shelter and clothing may be provided by ESS volunteers following registration.

For further assistance, call the RDCK Emergency Operations Centre at 250-352-7701.

Evacuees are encouraged to stay with friends and family. ESS may not be able to accommodate pets, so make sure you have prepared your pets by having appropriate cages, food, water and bowls, and ensure they are wearing identification. Or arrange to have pets cared for by family or friends.

The lightning-caused Michaud Creek wildfire was first discovered on July 10 and is estimated to have burned 2,670 hectares.



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