Emergency Evacuations – Archived

Based on recommendations from BC Wildfire, the Peace River Regional District has issued a new Evacuation Order for the Donnie Creek/Tommy Lakes wildfires due to immediate danger to life safety.

Donnie Creek Evacuation Order #5 includes the following areas:

• The area North of Grewatsch Creek on PDR 222,
• The area North of km 44 on Tommy Lakes Road,
• To the junction of Horse Range Creek and Sikanni Chief River,
• Northeast along Sikanni Chief River to the Peace River Regional District,
• The area North of km 20 on PDR 204 (Beatton Airport Road), and
• Extending North to the border with the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality.

This Order does not apply to First Nations communities as they issue their own Orders and Alerts.

Map of Evacuation Order Area:

Donnie Creek Evacuation Order #5 Map PDF

YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY

Evacuation Orders are issued on the recommendation of BC Wildfire when there is an immediate threat to life safety. Anyone under the age of 19 is required to evacuate by law. Industry and other area users should shut down operations and evacuate the area immediately.

If you need assistance to evacuate from the area, such as for transportation, mobility, health or other needs, please call the PRRD at 1-800-670-7773.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN YOU EVACUATE:

• Shut off all gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers.
• Close and lock all windows and doors.
• Take critical items (identification, credit cards, medicine, cellphone and charger, and keys) if they are immediately available.
• Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
• Check DriveBC for road conditions for evacuation route options.

Donnie Creek Evacuation Order #5 PDF

For more information:

Please visit prrd.bc.ca for updates on Evacuation Orders and Alerts, and visit bcwildfire.ca for updates on the wildfire status and firefighting response.

Additional information about Evacuation Alerts and Orders will be posted at prrd.bc.ca. 

Emergency Information Email: emergency-info@prrd.bc.ca

Based on recommendations from BC Wildfire, the Peace River Regional District has issued a new Evacuation Order for the Donnie Creek/Tommy Lakes wildfires due to immediate danger to life safety.

Donnie Creek Evacuation Order #4 is in effect for the following areas:

• The area North of Grewatsch Creek on PDR 222.
• The area North of km 44 on Tommy Lakes Road.
• The area North of km 20 on PDR 204 (Beatton Airport Road).
• Extending north to the border with the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality.

This Order does not apply to First Nations communities as they issue their own Orders and Alerts.

Map of Evacuation Order Area:

Donnie Creek/Tommy Lakes Evacuation Order Map PDF

YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY

Evacuation Orders are issued on the recommendation of BC Wildfire when there is an immediate threat to life safety. Anyone under the age of 19 is required to evacuate by law. Industry and other area users should shut down operations and evacuate the area immediately.

If you need assistance to evacuate from the area, such as for transportation, mobility, health or other needs, please call the PRRD at 1-800-670-7773.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN YOU EVACUATE:

• Shut off all gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers.
• Close and lock all windows and doors.
• Take critical items (identification, credit cards, medicine, cellphone and charger, and keys) if they are immediately available.
• Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
• Check DriveBC for road conditions for evacuation route options.

Donnie Creek Wildfire Evacuation ORDER #4 – May 28, 2023 PDF

For more information:

Please visit prrd.bc.ca for updates on Evacuation Orders and Alerts, and visit bcwildfire.ca for updates on the wildfire status and firefighting response.

Additional information about Evacuation Alerts and Orders will be posted at prrd.bc.ca. 

Emergency Information Email: emergency-info@prrd.bc.ca

May 28, 2023 10:15hrs

A state of local emergency has been declared for Electoral Area B in the Peace River Regional District as a result of the imminent threat to people and property due to wildfire.  The state of local emergency will remain in effect for 7 days or until cancelled by the Peace River Regional District.

Declaration SOLE – PRRD Area B – May 28, 2023

Extension SOLE – PRRD Area B – Donnie Creek Wildfire – June 4-10, 2023

Based on recommendations from BC Wildfire, the Peace River Regional District has rescinded Donnie Creek/Tommy Lakes Evacuation Order #3. This means the Order is cancelled, and all of the properties that were under an Evacuation Order for the Donnie Creek/Tommy Lakes wildfires are now under  Evacuation Alert #4.

The rescinded Evacuation Order applies to the following areas:

• North of the Beatton River on the Tommy Lakes Road and the Beatton Airport Road
• North of Grewatsch Creek on PDR 22
• Extending North to the border with the Norther Rockies Regional Municipality

These changes do not affect First Nations communities as they issue their own Orders and Alerts.

It’s important to remember that when you are under an Alert, you, need to be ready to leave the area again with short notice.

Please note that an Evacuation Order may need to be reissued; however, if that is deemed necessary, a new Evacuation Order process will be initiated.

Donnie Creek/Tommy Lakes Evacuation Order #3 Rescinded PDF

For more information:

Additional information about Evacuation Alerts and Orders will be posted at prrd.bc.ca. 

PRRD Emergency Information Line: 250-219-5210

Emergency Information Email: emergency-info@prrd.bc.ca

BC Wildfire is responsible for the wildfire firefighting response. For updates and additional information visit bcwildfire.ca.

Based on recommendations from BC Wildfire, the Peace River Regional District has rescinded Red Creek/Stoddart Creek Evacuation Order #4. This means the Order is cancelled, and all of the properties that were under an Evacuation Order for the Red Creek/Stoddart Creek wildfires are now under an Evacuation Alert.

The rescinded Evacuation Order applies to the following communities:

• Buick Creek
• Mile 70
• West Murdale
• Any properties on the west side of Highway 97 that were still under an Evacuation Order for the Red Creek wildfire

This notification does not apply to First Nations communities as they issue their own Orders and Alerts.

Residents on these properties can return home; however, it is important to note that these properties are now under Red Creek/Stoddart Creek Evacuation Alert #6.

Safety Tips for Returning Home

• Please use extra caution when driving – roads are slick due to the rain, and there may be hazards on the roads throughout the area, including downed trees and power lines. Given the potential for road hazards, we recommend returning home during daylight hours.
• Please use caution when entering your property and assess the area and your home for hazards, such as trees with damage from the fire that may be compromised, gas leaks, electrical issues and structural damage.
• Please refer to our Heading Back Home Guide for tips on returning safely to your home after an evacuation, including how to deal with health and safety risks in your home, including how to dispose of rotting food and other garbage.

It’s important to remember that when you are under an Alert, you, need to be ready to leave the area again with short notice. Please review the instructions for the Red Creek/Stoddart Creek Evacuation Alert #6 to be prepared for an evacuation if needed.

Please note that an Evacuation Order may need to be reissued; however, if that is deemed necessary, a new Evacuation Order process will be initiated.

Red Creek/Stoddart Evacuation Order #4 Rescinded PDF

For more information:

Additional information about Evacuation Alerts and Orders will be posted at prrd.bc.ca. 

PRRD Emergency Information Line: 250-219-5210

Emergency Information Email: emergency-info@prrd.bc.ca

BC Wildfire is responsible for the wildfire firefighting response. For updates and additional information visit bcwildfire.ca.

May 19, 2023 1130 (11:30 a.m.)

Based on recommendations from BC Wildfire, the Peace River Regional District has expanded the Evacuation Order area for the Donnie Creek wildfire.

Donnie Creek Evacuation Order #3 is now in effect in the following areas:

• North of the Beatton River on the Tommy Lakes Road and the Beatton Airport Road
• North of Grewatsch Creek on PDR 22
• Extending North to the border with the Norther Rockies Regional Municipality

BC Wildfire Service has recommended the change to boundaries of the Donnie Creek Evacuation Order as a result of changes in fire activity.

These changes do not affect First Nations communities as they issue their own Orders and Alerts.

YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY

Evacuation Orders are issued on the recommendation of BC Wildfire when there is an immediate threat to life safety. Anyone under the age of 19 is required to evacuate by law.

If you need assistance to evacuate from the area, such as for transportation, mobility, health, or other needs, please advise the person providing this notice or call 1-800-670-7773.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN YOU EVACUATE:

• There is a critical risk to life safety, and residents under an Evacuation Order are being advised to leave the area immediately. Visit DriveBC to check for road conditions.
• Emergency Support Services (ESS) at the reception centre at North Peace Arena – 9805 96 Ave Fort St. John, BC. If after hours please call 250-794-3310.If local accommodations are unavailable, you will be redirected to the nearest community.

• Shut off all gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers.
• If you have time and it is safe to do so, please shut off your gas supply at the meter. To do this, take a wrench, and turn the valve 90 degrees to the off position.
• Close and lock all windows and doors.
• Close gates (latch) but do not lock them.
• Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles than needed.
• Take critical items (identification, credit cards, medicine, cell, phone and charger, and keys) only if they are immediately available.
• Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.

Donnie Creek Evacuation Order #3 Map PDF

Online Map Tool

To search for your address to see if your property is under an Evacuation Order or an Evacuation Alert, you can use the Map Tool and enter your address in the search bar at the top.

Donnie Creek Evacuation Order #3 PDF

For more information:

Please visit prrd.bc.ca for updates on Evacuation Orders and Alerts, and visit bcwildfire.ca for updates on the wildfire status and firefighting response.

Additional information about Evacuation Alerts and Orders will be posted at prrd.bc.ca. 

PRRD Emergency Information Line: 250-219-5210

Emergency Information Email: emergency-info@prrd.bc.ca

BC Wildfire is responsible for the wildfire firefighting response. For updates and additional information visit bcwildfire.ca.

May 18, 2023 2000 hrs (8:00 p.m.)

A number of changes have been made to the Evacuation Alert Area for the Red Creek/Stoddart Creek wildfires based on recommendations from BC Wildfire.

Red Creek/Stoddart Creek Evacuation Alert #5 now includes some properties that were previously under Evacuation Order #3; however, there are also some properties that are no longer under an Evacuation Alert.

The areas that were previously under Evacuation Order #3 and are now under Evacuation Alert #5 are in the following communities:

• Rose Prairie
• Red Creek
• Montney
• Coffee Creek
• Prespatou
• Altona
• Peejay
• Osborn
• Mile 62½
• East side of Highway 97 from Wonowon to Mile 120

The areas that were previously under Red Creek/Stoddart Creek Evacuation #4 are no longer under an Alert. This means the Alert is cancelled for the following communities:

• Northern sections of Charlie Lake (North of Highway 29 and 246 Road, south of Mile 62)
• North Pine
• Pineview

BC Wildfire Service has recommended the change to boundaries of the Red Creek/Stoddart Evacuation Order as a result of changes in fire activity.

These changes do not affect First Nations communities as they issue their own Orders and Alerts.

Map of Red Creek/Stoddart Creek Evacuation Alert #5

Online Map Tool

To search for your address to see if your property is under an Evacuation Order or an Evacuation Alert, you can use the Map Tool at http://ow.ly/fnHU50OpKnH and enter your address in the search bar at the top.

This is the time to GET PREPARED to leave your home on short notice.

An Evacuation Alert has been issued to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property should it be found necessary. Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to an evacuation; however, you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.

• Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Order be called while separated.
• Sign up for North East BC Emergency notifications at NEBCAlerts.com to receive alerts about Evacuation Orders and Alerts.
• Pack essential items for a quick departure, such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g. insurance, passports, birth certificates, banking and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependents, cell phone and charger and, if time and space permits, personal keepsakes.
• Prepare to move disabled persons, children and/or neighbours, if they need assistance.
• Prepare to take pets with you including pet care items (leash, carrier, food) and move livestock to a safe area (if possible).
• Arrange transportation for all your household, and fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles.
• Arrange accommodation for all members of the residence, if possible.
• If you will need assistance to evacuate from the area, such as for transportation, mobility, health, or other needs, please call 1-800-670-7773.
• Wait for an Evacuation Order to be issued BEFORE evacuating.
• Monitor prrd.bc.ca and for information on evacuation orders and location of Reception Centres and hours of operation.

An Evacuation Alert checklist is available under Emergency News at https://prrd.thedev.ca/evacuation-alert-checklist.

Red Creek/Stoddart Creek Evacuation Alert #5 PDF

For more information:

Additional information about Evacuation Alerts and Orders will be posted at prrd.bc.ca. 

PRRD Emergency Information Line: 250-219-5210

Emergency Information Email: emergency-info@prrd.bc.ca

BC Wildfire is responsible for the wildfire firefighting response. For updates and additional information visit bcwildfire.ca.

May 16, 2023 0010hrs

The Peace River Regional District has issued an expanded Evacuation Order for the Donnie Creek and Tommy Lakes areas due to immediate danger to life safety caused by a wildfire. This area is primarily used by forestry, and gas and oil industry operations.

The Donnie Creek/Tommy Lakes Evacuation Order is in effect for the following areas:

• 77 km and North on the Tommy Lakes Road,
• Extending east to Wendy Lake,
• To the border with the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality in the North,

Donnie Creek Overview_20230515

YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY

Industry and other area users should shut down operations and evacuate the area immediately.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

• Due to smoke and fire in the area, the recommended evacuation through the following route:
  • If you are north of the 89 km mark on Tommy Lakes Road, proceed south on Tommy Lakes Road to Highway 97 South to Fort St John.
• Shut off all gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers.
• Close all windows and doors.
• Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, cell & charger and keys) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
• Please visit prrd.bc.ca and BC Wildfire Services regularly for current information.

Evacuation ORDER #2 May 16, 2023

May 15, 2023 2130hrs

The Peace River Regional District has issued an Evacuation Order for the Cameron River/Halfway area due immediate danger to life safety caused by a wildfire.

The Cameron River Evacuation Order is in effect for Upper Halfway Road from Cameron River to Lexau Ranch.

YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY

• Travel to Chetwynd via Highway 97 to Highway 29N
• Register for Emergency Support Services (ESS):
  • At the Chetwynd Rec Center, 4552 N Access Rd, Chetwynd, BC
  • If the center is closed when you arrive, call 250-556-4173
  • Note that anyone who needs a hotel room will be diverted to Prince George.
• If you need transportation assistance from the area, advise the person providing this notice or call 1-800-670-7773
• Shut off all gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers.
• Close and lock all windows and
• Close gates (latch) but do not
• Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles then you have
• Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, cell and charger and keys) only if they are immediately Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
• Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency
• Please visit prrd.bc.ca and BC Wildfire Services regularly for current information.

Cameron River Evacuation ORDER 5-15-2023

May 15, 2023

The Peace River Regional District has issued an expanded Evacuation Order that covers both the Red Creek and Stoddart Creek wildfires due to immediate danger to life safety.

The combined Red Creek/Stoddart Creek/Red Creek Evacuation Order #2 is in effect for properties in the following areas:

• All properties between Cache Creek and the Beatton River North of Highway 29, 246 Road and Cecil Lake Road.
• From Cache Creek, the Evacuation Order area extends to the Mile 98 Road and the Beatton Airport Road in the East
• From the Beatton River, the area extends West to include Doig and Osborn
• All properties North of Buick and Rose Prairie need to evacuate as access roads to these communities may be affected by the Wildfire

The following communities are included in this Evacuation Order:

• Charlie Lake (Properties north of Highway 29 and 246 Road),
• Montney,
• Rose Prairie,
• North Pine,
• Coffee Creek.
• Buick Creek,
• Prespatou
• Peejay
• Nig Creek
• Altona
• Osborn,
• Murdale,
• Pineview

If you are having difficult determining whether your property is in the Evacuation Order area, please call the PRRD’s Emergency Information Line at 250-219-5210

Red Creek/Stoddart Creek Evacuation Order #2 Map

YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY!

If you need assistance to evacuate from the area, such as for transportation, mobility, health, or other needs, please advise the person providing this notice or call 1-800-670-7773.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

• There is a critical risk to life safety, and residents under an Evacuation Order are being advised to leave the area immediately. Visit DriveBC to check for road conditions.
• Emergency Support Services are available for residents under an Evacuation Order.
• If you are planning to stay with family/friends other accommodation, you must be outside of the Evacuation Order and Alert area to qualify for ESS support.
• If you do not have a place to stay, please go to the Reception Centre at Mercer Hall, Ovintiv Events Centre (formerly Encana Events Centre) #1, 300 Hwy 2, Dawson Creek (Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/QhEjhLxaR64Jj4A79 or call 250-784-4681.
• If you have a motorhome/RV, please go to the Reception Centre and they will let you know where you can set up.
• Shut off all gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers.
• Close and lock all windows and doors.
• Close gates (latch) but do not lock them.
• Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles than needed.
• Take critical items (identification, credit cards, medicine, cell, phone and charger, and keys) only if they are immediately available.
• Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.

Please visit prrd.bc.ca for updates on Evacuation Orders and Alerts, and visit bcwildfire.ca for updates on the wildfire status and firefighting response.

Red Creek Stoddart Creek Evacuation ORDER #2 May 15, 2023