Police road block challenged by group attempting to enter Evacuation Order area in North Shuswap
The RCMP said in a media release Thursday that officers had to deal with concerned citizens in the North Shuswap area due to the elevated police presence in an Evacuation Order area.
RCMP said the increase in police resulted in a confrontation at a road block, that was resolved safely.
“While we understand and sympathize with the residents of the North Shuswap, there is a process in place through the local Emergency Operations Centre that needs to be followed to ensure the safety of everyone,” said Cpl. James Grandy, spokesperson for the Southeast District RCMP.
RCMP said that n the evening of Wednesday, August 23, 2023, the Chase RCMP received reports of a large group of people mustering with food and supplies destined for an Evacuation Order area in the North Shuswap.
Police said it appeared that the intentions of those involved were to overwhelm the police road block and gain access into the area.
RCMP said the increased police presence has been in place in response to ongoing efforts by some individuals who have undermined BC Wildfire Service fire suppression work through the movement of vital equipment, and have compromise emergency personnel safety through threats of violence.
RCMP said the area under Order is not safe due to active wildfire as well as damage to powerlines and unstable trees and structures and the group later challenged the BC RCMP officers stationed at the road block into the area currently under Order.
RCMP said the group later challenged the BC RCMP officers stationed at the road block into the area currently under Order.
“When the EOC deems it safe to do so, they can issue passes into the area to support a resupply. Fortunately, our officers are well trained, were able to de-escalate and the situation was quickly resolved safely without incident,” Cpl. Grandy explained.
RCMP said that no arrests were made and no charges are anticipated.
For more information click this BC Wildfire link to the Busch Creek East Wildfire.
