Kamloops, BC – August 4, 2023 – During the BC Day long weekend and until further notice, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) asks all boaters to not travel south of Agate Bay on Adams Lake. Additionally, please stay away from all areas on the east side of Adams Lake that are downslope of the Lower East Adams Lake fire. This includes boat access beaches. Debris has been observed rolling down steep hills on the east side of the lake at the wildfire site.
Conservation Officers and RCMP will be patrolling the southern end of Adams Lake to enforce the Evacuation Orders which remain in place at this time within portions of the TNRD, Columbia Shuswap Regional District and Adams Lake Indian Band.
Please avoid BC Wildfire Service aircraft that are in the area, and please allow plenty of space for aircraft to access Adams Lake. It is against the law to interfere with firefighting efforts, and puts both your safety and the safety of responders in jeopardy.
If issues continue, the TNRD is prepared to work with the Province of BC and neighbouring jurisdictions to utilize emergency powers to close all access to Adams Lake and block boat launches to protect public safety. This is an extraordinary step that we hope is not necessary.
Areas along the lower west side of Adams Lake within the TNRD and Village of Chase remain on Evacuation Alert, and the Adams Forest Service Road is fully closed to the public between Agate Bay and Holding Road.
Today, August 4, 2023, representatives from the TNRD FireSmart program have been set up at the Agate Bay Boat Launch, educating the public about the wildfire situation in the area, and informing residents about how to FireSmart their properties. We have had an exceptional amount of participation today, and we thank all residents and members of the public. Learn more about FireSmart anytime by visiting: tnrd.ca/firesmart.
For more information about TNRD Evacuation Orders and Alerts, please continue to visit tnrd.ca/emergency. For all information on wildfire response and status updates, please continue to use bcwildfire.ca.
Contact:
TNRD Emergency Operations Centre
Phone: 250 377-7188
Toll Free: 1-866-377-7188
emergency@tnrd.ca
