EKNOW Extra

07/13/2026

Two people arrested in Elk Valley area in relation to weapons offences

On July 10, 2026, Elk Valley RCMP officers along with Alberta RCMP officers and Southeast District Emergency Response Team served a search warrant in a remote area East of Sparwood.
Two people were arrested in relation to multiple weapons related offences. The suspects were taken into custody without incident. Charges are pending further investigation and subsequent assessment by the BC Prosecution Service.
There is no ongoing risk to the public and the identity of the suspects cannot be released at this time.
The operation was an example of excellent teamwork between the Alberta RCMP, Southeast District Emergency Response Team and the Elk Valley RCMP.

07/13/2026

❗The Fernie Aquatic Centre is temporarily closed for repairs following a power outage that damaged the facility's internal electrical components.

🔨The pool was closed to the public over the weekend and will remain closed while maintenance staff assess the extent of the damage and required repairs. We will share an update as soon as reopening information is available. Thank you for your patience.

💦The good news is the Splash Park was not affected by the outage!

💻You can check fernie.ca/recreation for the latest updates and closure notices—even on weekends!

07/12/2026

NEWS RELEASE: Evacuation ALERT Issued in Premier Lake Area as Lussier River Fire Expands (Posted 26.07.11 at 11:53 PM)

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has issued an EVACUATION ALERT in the Premier Lake Area as hot, dry conditions and strong winds prompted growth on the Lussier River (N20809), which started today.

The Evacuation ALERT includes 72 addresses, and the area extends approximately six kilometers north of Premier Lake, continues to south of Premier Lake Campground, extends approximately 2.5 kilometers west of Premier Lake, and east to the base of the mountains.

Residents should refer to the Evacuation Alert and associated map on the Alerts & Orders page of www.rdek.bc.ca to determine whether their property is in the Evacuation Alert area.

“Given the dry conditions and the fact that there is only one road in and out of the area, this Alert is being issued,” says RDEK Information Officer, Loree Duczek. “This is a heavily used recreation area, and we are encouraging those in the vicinity to stay aware of the potential for changing conditions on this fire.”

The BC Wildfire Service is currently responding to this fire and the most updated information on the status of the fire can be found on www.bcwildfire.ca.

The Regional Emergency Operations Centre has been opened, and an information line has been set up at 250-426-2188 or toll-free 1-855-346-2188 and, when not staffed, will have a recorded message with the most updated information.

07/12/2026

The Regional District of East Kootenay has issued an Evacuation Alert for the Premier Lake & Lussier River area due to the Lussier River wildfire.

Anyone in the impacted area must be ready to leave on short notice.

The Evacuation Alert is for the following areas within Electoral Area E:
• Approximately six Kilometers north of Premier Lake, continues to south of Premier Lake Campground, extends approximately 2.5 kilometers west of Premier Lake, and east to the base of the mountains.

The attached map forms part of the Evacuation Alert, and residents should refer to the map to determine whether their property is in the Evacuation Alert area.

More information and map:
• https://www.rdek.bc.ca/departments/protectiveservices/emergencyinfo/evacuation_alerts_orders/
• https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/event/wildfire-rdek-11july2026/

During the Evacuation Alert Stage:
• Register for the Evacuation Notification System at www.rdek.bc.ca
• Arrange a meeting location outside of the Evacuation Alert area where family members can meet if an Evacuation Order is issued while not together.
• Have a ‘To-Go Bag’ packed and ready to leave at a moment’s notice, with essential items.
• Pets and animals: Relocate any large animals to a safe area and prepare to take your pets with you.
• Commercial Farmers should contact the RDEK Information Line: 250-426-2188 or 1-855-346-2188.
• Relocate recreational vehicles and boats at the Alert stage as there will not be time to move them in the event of an Order.
• Ensure there is enough fuel in vehicles to safely leave the area if an Evacuation Order is issued.
• Plan ahead for accommodation should an Order need to be issued, if possible, stay with friends or relatives, or find alternative accommodations.

Should an Evacuation Order need to be issued, provincial Emergency Support Services are only available for those displaced from their primary residence.
• Pre-register all household members on the provincial Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) Tool at https://ess.gov.bc.ca/
• Persons who have a BC Services Card may be eligible to receive an e-transfer using the BC Services Card App.
• Monitor credible news sources and www.rdek.bc.ca for information

Visit www.EmergencyInfoBC.ca for updates on this and other emergencies.

Last updated: 11:00 p.m., July 11, 2026

07/11/2026

"Dun dun dun dun 🎶🦈..." Something BIG is returning this summer. THE BIG BOOK SALE! Saturday, August 1st, 8:30AM to 2:30PM.
All funds raised support the Invermere Public Library. Cash Preferred.
"You're gonna need a bigger book bag..."

07/11/2026

07/10/2026

We've got an incredible lineup of events coming your way! Take a look and let us know in the comments—which event are you looking forward to the most? 👇

Get tickets here - https://www.fortsteeleheritagetown.com/event-list