Residents confront police over evacuation order

Police say a confrontation involving residents wanting to get into an area under evacuation order in the North Shuswap was resolved safely.

RCMP in Chase received reports of a large group of people mustering with food and supplies who were travelling to an evacuation order area on Wednesday night (Aug. 23).

The Canadian Press said the group included about 20 protesters wanted to push past a blockade of police cars on the Trans Canada Highway near Sorrento.

“It appeared that the intentions of those involved were to overwhelm the police road block and gain access into the area,” Cpl. James Grandy with the BC RCMP stated.

Grandy said increased police presence has been in place in response to ongoing efforts by some people who have undermined BC Wildfire Service fire suppression work through the movement of vital equipment, and have compromise emergency personnel safety through threats of violence.

“The area under order is not safe due to active wildfire as well as damage to power lines and unstable trees and structures,” Grandy said.

Police say the group later challenged the RCMP officers stationed at the road block into the area under order.

“While we understand and sympathize with the residents of the North Shuswap, there is a process in place through the local Emergency Operations Centre that needs to be followed to ensure the safety of everyone,” Grandy, spokesperson for the Southeast District RCMP, said.

“When the EOC deems it safe to do so, they can issue passes into the area to support a resupply. Fortunately, our officers are well trained, were able to de-escalate and the situation was quickly resolved safely without incident,” the corporal added.

No arrests were made and no charges are anticipated.