The Regional District of the Central Kootenay has issued an evacuation alert for 305 homes in the Slocan Valley area due to the encroaching Talbot Creek wildfire in southeastern BC.

The evacuation alert affects the communities of Lebahdo, Little Slocan, Passmore and Vallican.

Regional District of the Central Kootenay emergency operations centre director Chris Johnson said that everyone affected by the alert should be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

"With the continued hot and dry weather, and the potential for changing winds Sunday night and into Monday, the Southeast Fire Centre has recommended the evacuation alert as a precaution and to allow people in the area to prepare themselves," the director said on the district’s website.

CBC News reported that the Talbot Creek wildfire was first discovered on August 17, 2020. It is now estimated to be as large as 200 hectares, or two square kilometers. According to the regional district, the fire became more active after it was spread by winds Friday night.