An Evacuation Order has been issued for a defined area of Tomslake, 1-kilometre radius of the junction of Highway 2 and 198 Road and extending South on Highway 2 to 197 Road.

This Evacuation Order has been issued due to immediate danger to life, safety, and health due to a HAZMAT Motor Vehicle Incident, involving a Cargo Truck.

YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY.

Evacuees, please register at the Reception Centre by calling 250-263-3109.

• 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 all windows and doors.
• Close gates (latch) but do not lock.
• Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles then you have to.
• Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, cell & charger and keys) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
• Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.

Further information will be issued at prrd.bc.ca and drivebc.ca

Have you signed up for Northeast BC Emergency and Public Alerts? Now is the time, it only takes a few moments! Visit www.nebcalerts.ca

Read the full Order here: Evacuation ORDER 1 Tomslake HAZMAT MVI

The Evacuation Order (#3), pursuant to Section 12(1) of the BC Emergency Program Act issued on September 8, 2022, to the area(s) listed below, has now been lifted (cancelled/rescinded), effective immediately. This means you are now permitted to return to the area.

There will be a lot of traffic, please re-enter safely and provide space to all emergency and first responders still working in the area.

The RESCIND includes the following areas:

• Following the eastern boundary of Butler Ridge Provincial Park from the District of Hudson’s Hope Boundary to the Northern tip, proceeding east until a point intersection Farrell Creek;
• South following Farrell Creek to a point where the Farrell Creek meets the Peace River, due West following the Peace River to the District of Hudson’s Hope boundary;

• East of Johnson Creek forestry service road at 40km, North following Dowling Creek to the District of Hudson’s Hope boundary;
• South along the Hudson’s Hope boundary to a point where it intersects Coalbed Creek, and Southwest to a point of intersection with Pete Lake, continuing Southwest to a point of intersection with Moberly Lake forestry service road;
• West following Moberly River to a point including Stubley Creek heading in a north-westerly direction to the boundary of Klin-Se-Za Addition Provincial Park;
• North along the easterly boundary of the Klin-Se-Za Addition Provincial Park, to a point intersecting Dowling Creek and north following Dowling Creek to the Johnson FSR to 40km.
• All of Twelve Mile Rd. from the District of Hudson’s Hope Boundary West, including Josef Rd., Dunlevy Rd., Eagle Heights Dr. and Aspen Ridge Dr.;
• Including all areas South and East of Butler Ridge Park Boundary
• North shore of Williston Lake
• Table Creek south to Dowling Creek (8km west of the WAC Bennett Dam, 40km Johnson FSR)
• Southwest following Dowling Creek to the intersection of McAllister Creek
• West to approximately 10km West of Peck Creek
• North to Williston Lake

NOTE:

• An Evacuation Alert has been issued by the District of Hudson’s Hope, please visit the website here: https://hudsonshope.ca/
• For any residents requiring assistance with transportation to return home, please visit the Emergency Social Service Reception Centre at the Fort St John North Peace Arena or contact the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) at 250-783-9308.
• Structural defense staff are still in our community. Please drive with care and give them space.

RESCIND Order for Electoral Area B and E – Battleship Mountain

If you have not done so already, residents are urged to sign up for North East BC (NEBC) alerts, a district-wide emergency notification system, by registering online at nebcalerts.com, or by downloading the Everbridge app: https://linktr.ee/PRRDOfficial

Pursuant to Section 12 (1) of the BC Emergency Program Act an expanded Evacuation Order has been issued by the Peace River Regional District due to immediate danger to life and safety caused by a wildfire. Members of the RCMP and other applicable agencies will be expediting this action.

The Order has been issued for the following areas within Electoral Area B and E:

• Following the eastern boundary of Butler Ridge Provincial Park from the District of Hudson’s Hope Boundary to the Northern tip, proceeding east until a point intersection Farrell Creek;
• South following Farrell Creek to a point where the Farrell Creek meets the Peace River, due West following the Peace River to the District of Hudson’s Hope boundary;
• East of Johnson Creek forestry service road at 40km, North following Dowling Creek to the District of Hudson’s Hope boundary;
• South along the Hudson’s Hope boundary to a point where it intersects Coalbed Creek, and Southwest to a point of intersection with Pete Lake, continuing Southwest to a point of intersection with Moberly Lake forestry service road;
• West following Moberly River to a point including Stubley Creek heading in a north-westerly direction to the boundary of Klin-Se-Za Addition Provincial Park;
• North along the easterly boundary of the Klin-Se-Za Addition Provincial Park, to a point intersecting Dowling Creek and north following Dowling Creek to the Johnson FSR to 40km.
• All of Twelve Mile Rd. from the District of Hudson’s Hope Boundary West, including Josef Rd., Dunlevy Rd., Eagle Heights Dr. and Aspen Ridge Dr.;
• Including all areas South and East of Butler Ridge Park Boundary
• North shore of Williston Lake
• Table Creek south to Dowling Creek (8km west of the WAC Bennett Dam, 40km Johnson FSR)
• Southwest following Dowling Creek to the intersection of McAllister Creek
• West to approximately 10km West of Peck Creek
• North to Williston Lake

Emergency Support Services Resources
Residents are to check in at the North Peace Arena located at 9805 – 96 Ave Fort St. John for emergency support services.

Residents who have already found their own accommodations are to call 250-794-3310 to check in with emergency support services.

YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

• Follow the Johnson Creek Forest Service Road (FSR) East to Highway 29 and continue to a safe location.
• Please visit prrd.bc.ca and BC Wildfire Services regularly for current information
• 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 all windows and 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 then you have
• Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, cell & charger and keys) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on a leash.
• Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency assistance.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

The District of Hudson’s Hope has prepared a FAQ document for residents:

Frequently Asked Questions

View the full Order here:

Evacuation ORDER #3 Sept 10 2022

An expanded Evacuation Order has been issued by the Peace River Regional District due to immediate danger to life and safety caused by a wildfire. Members of the RCMP and other applicable agencies will be expediting this action.

The Order has been issued for the following areas within Electoral Area E:

• All of Twelve Mile Rd., Josef Rd., Dunlevy Rd., Eagle Heights Dr. and Aspen Ridge Dr.
• North shore of Williston Lake
• Table Creek south to Dowling Creek (8km west of the WAC Bennett Dam, 40km Johnson FSR)
• Southwest following Dowling Creek to the intersection of McAllister Creek
• West to approximately 10km West of Peck Creek
• North to Williston Lake

Emergency Support Services Resources
Residents are to call 250-794-3310 for any emergency support services required at this time.

YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO NEXT:

• Follow the Johnson Creek Forest Service Road (FSR) East to Highway 29 and continue to a safe location.
• Please visit prrd.bc.ca and bcwildfire.ca regularly for current information.
• 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 all windows and doors.
• Close gates (latch) but do not lock.
• Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles then you have to.
• Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, cell & charger and keys) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
• Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.

View the full Order:

Evacuation ORDER #2 Sept 10 2022

The Evacuation Order #1 for the Bearhole Lake wildfire (G72178) is now rescinded. As a result of recommendations from the BC Wildfire Service, the Evacuation Order for the Community of Kelly Lake, 4km West of the Alberta border, and 5km North of Kelly Lake until 5km South of Kelly Lake has been rescinded.

An Evacuation Alert is still in effect for the area, as described in Evacuation Alert #2 issued by the PRRD. An Evacuation Order may need to be reissued; however, if that is deemed necessary, the Evacuation Order process will re-commence.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
• Fill the gas tank of personal vehicles;
• Bring a minimum of three days of food and essential supplies (e.g. medications, pet supplies) with you as local grocery stores may not yet have adequate stock; and,
• If your animals or livestock have been relocated, call 1-800-670-7773 to coordinate their safe return.

Evacuees will be contacted by the Reception Centre regarding going back to Kelly Lake, including providing important information to return. If any evacuees have concerns about returning to the community, please let the staff at the Reception Centre know immediately. Any residents concerned with returning to the community may be able to have extended Emergency Support Services on a case-by-case basis. Please visit the Reception Center at Dawson Creek Kin Arena (1101 106 Ave, Dawson Creek, BC), 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or call 250-784-4681.

Have you signed up for North East BC Emergency alerts yet? It takes minutes and can be crucial in an emergency. Download the app by searching ‘Everbridge’ wherever you get your apps, or register online at nebcalerts.com

To view the full rescind order see below:
Bearhole Lake Wildfire Evacuation Rescind

An Evacuation Order has been issued for the Bearhole Lake Wildfire (G72178), in Electoral Area D, for the community of Kelly Lake, as described below:

• 4 km West of the Alberta border
• 5 km North of Kelly Lake until 5km South of Kelly Lake

The Evacuation Order has been issued for the Community of Kelly Lake due to immediate danger to life, safety, and health due to wildfire. Members of the RCMP, Search and Rescue and other applicable agencies will be expediting this action.

You Must Leave the Area Immediately.

• Due to heavy smoke in the area it is highly recommended to evacuate through the following route:
  • Highway 671 to Range Road 131
  • North to Highway 43
  • OR Highway 52 East
  • North to BC Highway 2
• Register at a Reception/Registration Centre to access Emergency Support Services (assistance with lodging & food) at the Reception Centre at the City of Dawson Creek City Hall, 10105 12A Street, Dawson Creek, BC. The Registration Centre at Beaverlodge Community Centre is now closed.

*** note that anyone who evacuates to Alberta will need to pay for the expenses out of pocket and may or may not be reimbursed at a later date.  Persons evacuating to Dawson Creek will be provided with lodging, food vouchers and incidentals. It is critical that all evacuees register at one of the centers.***

Evacuation ORDER #1 – Sept 4 2022

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

• Please visit prrd.bc.ca and bcwildfire.ca regularly for current information.
• 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 all windows and doors.
• Close gates (latch) but do not lock.
• Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles then you have to.
• Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, cell & charger and keys) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
• Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.

WHY THE EVACUATION ORDER:

BC Wildfire Services (BCWFS) recommendation of Order is due to current and expected fire growth in the next 72hrs. Currently the rate of spread and fire behavior with the 30km winds and gusts to 70km is challenging resources, with this potential, BCWFS is expecting the fire to reach Highway 52 and possibly cross over the next few hours.
Over the last 24 hours the fire has grown from 1600ha to about 5200ha with the winds yesterday and is continuing to grow. Today, September 4, it is expected that the winds will reach up to 70km/h which would increase the fires rate of spread (30m/minute minimum) and grow substantially, this would be beyond the ability to evacuate people safely, if at all. Currently the head of the fire is less than 18km from the community of Kelly Lake, with the anticipated winds and expected fire growth this fire has the potential to be on their doorstep in a very short timeframe.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE PUBLIC:

If you’ve been placed under an Evacuation Order, that means you are advised to leave the area for your own safety and for the health and safety of firefighters. Receiving an Evacuation Order can be an unsettling and emotional experience. We understand that you may be reluctant to leave your home and community. However, choosing to remain in an area that is under an Evacuation Order puts yourself, your family, and first responders in danger. It’s not worth the risk.

People who remain in an area that’s under an Evacuation Order may impede the ability of fire crews to fight a wildfire, because crews may be forced to stop fighting the fire to keep you out of harm’s way. People who decide to “wait and see” if they need to evacuate an area may find their escape route blocked by fallen trees or abandoned vehicles, and once familiar landmarks may be blanketed in thick smoke.

Should you choose to disregard an evacuation order, you may be in danger even if you can’t see the wildfire, since it can spread quickly when embers are blown ahead of the fire by wind. These embers can be carried for kilometres and start new fires between you and safety. Wildfire activity is heavily impacted by weather conditions, which means that fire activity can increase suddenly and rapidly due to wind, heat and dryness. The wildfire itself can contribute to these conditions. Thick smoke can obscure landmarks, making it dangerous to travel or work outside. In addition, a lack of electricity can affect your ability to get fuel and supply water.

A wildfire can be relentless. Stress and sleep deprivation over several days can decrease your alertness and impact your ability to think clearly. This can impair decision-making, slow your reaction time, and increase the likelihood that you’ll make mistakes. Sheltering in a home or other structure is no guarantee that you’ll be safe from an approaching wildfire. For example, Australia’s 2009 Victoria Bushfires Royal Commission determined that two-thirds of wildfire-related fatalities on that country’s “Black Saturday” (Feb. 7, 2009) occurred in homes. Of the 173 fatalities that day, 113 people were in their homes, 27 died outside but near their homes, seven died in other buildings, 11 died in vehicles, 10 died near vehicles or on roads, and five died at locations away from fires.

Have you signed up for North East BC Emergency alerts yet? It takes minutes and can be crucial in an emergency. Download the app by searching ‘Everbridge’ wherever you get your apps, or register online at nebcalerts.com

An Evacuation Order has been issued for the following areas within Electoral Area E:

• North shore of Williston Lake
• Table Creek south to Dowling Creek (8km west of the WAC Bennett Dam, 40km Johnson FSR)
• Southwest following Dowling Creek to the intersection of McAllister Creek
• West to approximately 10km West of Peck Creek
• North to Williston Lake

An Evacuation Order has been issued for Battleship Mountain & Carbon Lake Area due to immediate danger to life, safety, and health due to wildfire. In the last 24 hours, the wildfire has grown from 4500ha to 8000ha. The BC Wildfire Service has recommended this Order due to the current and expected fire growth over the next 72hrs, which is expected to reach over the Eastside of Battleship Mountain as a result of the current rate of spread (15m/minute), 30km winds, and the fire behavior.

Winds are expected to reach up to 70km/hour on Sunday, September 4, which could increase fire spread to 30m/minute. Should this occur, there is an increased risk that the Johnson Creek FSR could become impassable and limit the ability for people to evacuate safely.

You Must Leave the Area Immediately.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

• Follow the Johnson Creek Forest Service Road (FSR) East to Highway 29 and continue to a safe location.
• Please visit prrd.bc.ca and bcwildfire.ca regularly for current information.
• 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 all windows and doors.
• Close gates (latch) but do not lock.
• Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles then you have to.
• Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, cell & charger and keys) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
• Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.

Evacuation ORDER #1 Sept 3 2022