IHA says 114 long-term care patients in Castlegar evacuated
By Interior Health Authority
Interior Health has evacuated residents from two Castlegar long-term care homes as a precautionary measure due to the Merry Creek Wildfire.
Sixty residents from Talarico Place and 54 residents from Castleview Care Centre have been relocated temporarily to alternate care homes within the Kootenay Boundary. Interior Health’s priority is to ensure residents are safe and receiving appropriate care and supports during this challenging time.
Talarico Place is owned and operated by Interior Health, while Castleview Care Centre is owned and operated by Chantelle Management Ltd.
At this time, all services at the Castlegar and District Community Health Centre and the Urgent and Primary Care Centre remain open.
Interior Health would like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of local long-term care, acute and community teams for their ongoing support of these residents.
We also appreciate the support of BC Transit, first responders, the Regional District of Central Kootenay, BC Wildfire Service and other partners in supporting wildfire response and ongoing services for Interior Health residents and clients.
Interior Health continues to monitor wildfire activity across the region. Wildfire planning includes supporting anyone who is isolating due to COVID-19. We will ensure separate arrangements are made for anyone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 to protect the public from potential exposure.
Everyone is reminded to make preparations for wildfires, and smoky skies as air quality deteriorates by visiting: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/YourEnvironment/Emergency/Wildfires/Pages/default.aspx
Install the BC Wildfire Service mobile app (Android or iOS) or visit the BC Wildfire Service
Dashboard to find information on current wildfire activity: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status
The FireWork Forecast shows maps of predicted smoke impacts over the next 48 hours:
https://weather.gc.ca/firework/
