Interior Health responds to Shetland Creek wildfire

July 19, 2024

Interior Health (IH) is responding to the potential for fire-related impacts to health facilities and clients in the community of Ashcroft due to the Shetland Creek wildfire.

As a precautionary measure, IH is relocating 21 residents from Jackson House long-term care home and five clients from Thompson View Lodge assisted living facility to alternate locations away from the impacted area.

Interior Health is contacting families directly and providing updates on the location of their loved ones.

The Ashcroft Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC) is not impacted at this time - anyone requiring care should proceed to the UPCC as needed. Regular hours for the UPCC are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

Interior Health is also working with all community clients to make plans for them to have access to the services they need should they need to evacuate.

People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 9-1-1 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.

Emergency department services are available 24/7 at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops.

This is an evolving situation and we are working closely with municipalities, regional districts, and the BC Wildfire Service to ensure precautions are underway to protect patients, clients, and individuals in long-term care.

Those requiring support during this crisis are encouraged to call the BC Crisis Line at 310-6789.

Interior Health also continues to monitor wildfire activity across the region.

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/

We will provide updates as new information is available.

Stories@IH

Read our latest stories

6 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Those with dementia need special consideration during the holidays. Read our tips and advice to make the holidays enjoyable for everyone.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Loreen’s ability to keep calm under pressure, paired with her caring nature, have been integral to her success and to the quality of care that she provides.

5 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Many people like to do the Dry January challenge, but going dry isn't for everyone. Gain tips on reducing your alcohol consumption in the New Year and beyond..

1 Minute Read
Community & Culture

As we come to the close of 2024 we pause to reflect on the year and celebrate our achievements. Watch our short video of this year’s highlights across IH.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

All's well that ends well: For Kelowna health unit aide JQ, this simple phrase is more than advice—it’s a way of life.

5 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

The winter and holiday season can bring joy, but can also bring stresses and challenges. Explore these 10 tips for supporting for mental and physical health.

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news and alert posts, and Stories@IH blog posts, right to your inbox!

mail