Updated: Mudslide hits Fairmont Hot Springs

Updated (July 16). . . Search and rescue crews that were working on rescue efforts at the Johnsons Landing mudslide moved on to Fairmont Sunday after a large mudslide in that Windermere Valley village.

Ground search crews and a rescue helicopter were deployed to the Fairmont slide area.

Reports are that the local fire department rescued some people and others were rescued from the mudslide area by rope and helicopter.

No people are reported missing or injured at this time.

DriveBC is reporting that geotechnicians are on site conducting an assessment.

A tactical evacuation order has been been issued for residents near the mudslide. Residents are being sent to an emergency reception area set up at the Windermere Community Hall.

by Dave Preston

On the heels of a devastating mudslide in a small Kootenay village that is suspected to have killed four people, Fairmont Hot Springs residents are dealing with a huge mudslide of their own.

Columbia Valley RCMP received an emergency call at 4:38 local time (3:39 PT) about a mudslide in the village of Fairmont Hot Springs, according to Cpl. Chris Newel.

“There was an immediate response to this large scale land slide by RCMP and a number of other agencies,” said Newel. “The slide has affected parts of Fairmont, including Hwy. 93/95.”

The RCMP has activated a provincial multi-agency Incident Command response that is led by a unified command team. The situation is currently being assessed.