“Shambhala Music Festival goers should ensure they leave adequate time to return home safely”

An evacuation alert has been issued for the Shambhala Music Festival, due to the McCormick Creek wildfire jumping the Salmo River.

That means thousands of music lovers must be ready to leave the festival, near Nelson in B.C.’s Kootenay region, at a moment’s notice.

LIVE: Shambhala Music Festival spokeswoman Britz Robins talks about the wildfire evacuation alert now in place for the area. Read more here: http://www.nelsonstar.com/news/nelway-ordered-to-evacuate-alert-issued-for-shambhala/ Posted by Nelson Star News on Saturday, 12 August 2017

The BC Wildfire Service says the blaze is moving east towards the community of Nelway, which is now under an evacuation order.

The fire is now an estimated 250 hectares in size and behaving unpredictably.

BC Wildfire, RCMP, and the regional district are strongly advising Shambhala Music Festival goers to ensure they leave adequate time to return home safely.

Those being evacuated are being directed to the Salmo Community Centre.

The area under evacuation includes:

• Bear Rd

• Pend D’Oreille Rd

• Rosebud Lake Rd

• Talbot Rd

• McCormick Creek Rd

• 8 Properties on Highway 6

All affected properties are being visited by the RCMP to ensure this information is being delivered to property owners.

With files from the Nelson Star and Betsy Kline