Emergency News – Archived
BC Wildfire Service: prescribed burn at Saulteau First Nations
Expect Smoke: BC Wildfire Service Planning Prescribed Burn Near Dawson Creek
The BC Wildfire Service and Saulteau First Nations are planning a prescribed burn of about 100 hectares of grass on the Saulteau First Nations Reserve Lands, potentially starting as early as Thursday, April 3rd, with the main burn on Saturday, April 5th, weather permitting. This burn aims to provide joint training and reduce wildfire risk. The burn will only happen if conditions are safe and will be closely monitored.
Smoke may be visible to Saulteau First Nations, Moberly Lake, Chetwynd, surrounding areas, and to travelers along Highways 97 and 29.
For more detailed information, please visit the BC Wildfire Service bulletin.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dallas Gatchell, Wildfire Technician – Dawson Creek Zone, at 250-784-8495.
Ridgeline Wildlife Enhancement: prescribed burn in Farrell Creek area
Ridgeline Wildlife Enhancement will conduct a prescribed burn in the Farrell Creek area.
They will start preparing for this burn as early as Sunday, April 6, if the weather and conditions are good. The burn will cover about 140 hectares of grassland and is for range management. The BC Wildfire Service knows about this planned burn.
You might see smoke in nearby areas and from Highway 29.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call Alicia Woods at 250-262-9630.
Category 2 and 3 Open Fire Ban Lifted
Starting at 12pm (noon) PDT on Friday, October 4, 2024, the ban on Category 2 and 3 fires will be lifted in the Prince George Fire Centre, which includes the Peace River Regional District.
Category 1 Open Burning prohibited across Prince George Fire Centre starting July 12
The following open burning prohibition (fire ban) has been enacted by the BC Wildfire Service/Ministry of Forests, not the Peace River Regional District.
This open fire prohibition is not an evacuation order or alert.
The PRRD encourages all residents to sign up for NEBC alerts if they have not already done so, to receive emergency information for the Peace River region.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone or through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.
PRINCE GEORGE – Effective at 12 p.m. (noon) on Friday, July 12, 2024, Category 1 (campfires) are prohibited across the Prince George Fire Centre. This prohibition applies to campfires (Category 1) as defined in the Wildfire Regulation.
This prohibition covers all of the Prince George Fire Centre and will remain in effect until 12 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, or until it is rescinded.
Prohibitions apply to all public and private lands unless otherwise specified (e.g. in an enactment or local government bylaw).
In addition to prohibiting the use of open fire of any size, the following activities are prohibited:
- Fireworks
- Sky lanterns
- Burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description
- Binary exploding targets
- Air curtain burners
- Chimineas
- Tiki and similar kinds of torches
- Outdoor stoves or other portable campfire apparatus without a CSA or ULC rating
Doig River Evacuation Alerts Rescinded (Cancelled)
We are happy to share that the following Doig River Evacuation Alerts have been rescinded (cancelled) as of 1200 hours (12:00 p.m.) on May 27, 2024:
- Doig River Evacuation Alert # 1, issued on May 13, 2024, at 2100 (9:00) has been rescinded (cancelled) as of 1200 hours (12:00 p.m.) on May 27, 2024.
- Doig River Evacuation Alert # 2, issued on May 13, 2024, at 2100 (9:00) has been rescinded (cancelled) as of 1200 hours (12:00 p.m.) on May 27, 2024.
- Doig River Evacuation Alert # 3, issued on May 20, 2024, at 1100 (11:00) has been rescinded (cancelled) as of 1200 hours (12:00 p.m.) on May 27, 2024.
Please note that an Evacuation Alert or Order may need to be reissued if the wildfire situation changes or worsens. If this happens, a new Evacuation Alert or Order will be started.
For more information, please contact the Peace River Regional District at 1-800-670-7773 or email emergency-info@prrd.bc.ca
For more information about the wildfire situation, visit the BC Wildfire Service website: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map
State of Local Emergency for Electoral Area ‘B’ Cancelled
The State of Local Emergency for Electoral Area ‘B’ has been rescinded (cancelled).
This means the Evacuation Order is cancelled pursuant to Section 12 (1) of the BC Emergency Program Act.
Please see the cancellation below:
Sign up for North East BC Emergency notifications at NEBCAlerts.com to receive alerts about Evacuation Orders and Alerts.
Additional information about Evacuation Alerts and Orders will be posted at prrd.bc.ca.
PRRD Emergency Information Line: 1-800-670-7773
Emergency Information Email: emergency-info@prrd.bc.ca
BC Wildfire is responsible for the wildfire firefighting response and Area Restriction Orders. For updates and additional information visit bcwildfire.ca.
Doig River Wildfire Evacuation Order #1 Cancelled
Issued on May 20, 2024 at 1100 hours (11:00 a.m.)
Official notice: Doig River Wildfire EVACUATION ORDER #1 RESCIND
Based on recommendations from BC Wildfire, the Peace River Regional District has rescinded (cancelled) the Doig River Wildfire Evacuation Order #1 as of May 20, 2024 1100 hours.
This means the Evacuation Order is cancelled pursuant to Section 12 (1) of the BC Emergency Program Act for the area defined by:
- Km 5.75 on Doig Road
- North to Road PDR MC9
- East for 6.75 Km
- South to Doig Road
- West to Km 5.75 on Doig Road
This notification does not apply to First Nations communities or municipalities 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 Doig River Wildfire Evacuation Alert #3.
Safety Tips for Returning Home
- Please use extra caution when driving – there may be hazards on the roads throughout the area, including downed trees and powerlines. It’s a good idea to avoid driving at night or if there is poor visibility due to rain or smoke.
- Please refer to our Heading Back Home Guide for tips on returning safely to your home after an evacuation, including:
- how to assess and avoid potential hazards on your property; and
- how to deal with health and safety risks in your home, including how to deal with 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 Doig River Wildfire Evacuation Alert #3 to be prepared to evacuate on short notice 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.
For more information:
Sign up for North East BC Emergency notifications at NEBCAlerts.com to receive alerts about Evacuation Orders and Alerts.
Additional information about Evacuation Alerts and Orders will be posted at prrd.bc.ca.
PRRD Emergency Information Line: 1-800-670-7773
Emergency Information Email: emergency-info@prrd.bc.ca
BC Wildfire is responsible for the wildfire firefighting response and Area Restriction Orders. For updates and additional information visit bcwildfire.ca.
Doig River Wildfire Information Update May 18
May 18 Update:
While recent conditions have allowed for significant progress, warmer drier weather in the short term and significant hazards remaining in the area mean there are no changes to Orders or Alerts anticipated over the long weekend. Working the fire are a substantial crew, heavy equipment, fire and structure suppression and air assets. The area remains unsafe for community members.
Please continue to check the PRRD website for updates.
Doig River Wildfire Evacuation Order #1
Issued on Monday, May 13, 2024 at 21:00 Hrs (9:00 p.m.)
Official notice:Doig River Wildfire EVACUATION ORDER #1
Based on recommendations from BC Wildfire, the Peace River Regional District has issued an Evacuation Order for the Doig River Wildfire. This Order is being issued because of the area’s potential danger to life and health.
Doig River Wildfire – Order #1 is now in effect in the following area:
- Km 5.75 on Doig Road
- North to Road PDR MC9
- East for 6.75 Km
- South to Doig Road
- West to Km 5.75 on Doig Road
This Order does not affect First Nations communities or municipalities as they issue their own Orders and Alerts.
State of Local Emergency for Electoral Area B
Issued as of May 13, 2024
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 14 days or until cancelled by the Peace River Regional District.
Please see the individual Declaration for Electoral Area ‘B’ below:
