Emergency News – Archived

There are no current PRRD Evacuation Orders in effect, which means the PRRD is not currently processing Temporary Entry Permits.

BC Wildfire Area Restriction Permit Process

For Donnie Creek and West Kiskatinaw wildfires, contact the BC Wildfire Service to follow their Area Restriction permit process:

Donnie Creek: BCWS.DonnieCreekLiaison@gov.bc.ca

West Kiskatinaw: BCWS.SouthPeaceComplex.Plans@gov.bc.ca

PRRD Temporary Entry Permit Process

The PRRD has a temporary entry permit process in place that can be used when Evacuation Order are issued.

Temporary entry permits are for essential personnel only – people who have a legitimate need to temporarily enter evacuated areas, such as to take care of livestock or maintain critical infrastructure or other essential services. These permits are required if requesting access into or via roads that run through an Evacuation Order area.

To apply for a permit to temporarily enter an area under an Evacuation Order, please submit a Temporary Entry Permit Application.

If you need assistance or additional information about temporary entry permits, please email EOC.entrypermits@prrd.bc.ca.

The PRRD Emergency Operations Centre and BC Wildfire will screen the applications and will assess safety risks. Permits will be authorized on a case-by-case basis. The goal is to review applications for next-day access, and access is based on a safety assessment.

Applications must be submitted prior to 4:30 p.m. to be considered for the next day.

NOTICE: Donnie Creek Complex Wildfire Under Area Restriction Order

Please Note: Starting June 8, there is Area Restriction Order in place for the Donnie Creek Complex wildfire, which means access is managed by BC Wildfire rather than through the PRRD’s temporary permit process. To request access for essential services, please contact BC Wildfire:  

Donnie Creek Complex Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service | Ministry of Forests
Phone: 778-362-4795
Email: BCWS.DonnieCreekComplex.Information@gov.bc.ca

Attention farmers/ranchers affected by wildfire.

The PRRD is reaching out to the Ministry of Agriculture to push for supports for the farmers and ranchers in our region who lost fences due to fire damage. To help with this, we need to gain a better understanding of the extent of the damage and who has been affected.

If you are a farmer or rancher, and your fences were damaged by the recent wildfires, please report your damage to the PRRD by email to emergency-info@prrd.bc.ca.

Please provide the following information:

• Name
• Telephone #
• Email
• Address/location
• Amount of fence lost (in meters)
• Type of livestock
• Description of loss and impact

We also recommend that farmers and ranchers take photos of the damage and keep receipts when making repairs, just in case retroactive funding becomes available. Please note that while we are lobbying for support for our local farmers and ranchers, there is no guarantee that an AgriRecovery Program will be put in place.

For damages related to wildfire response:

There is a claims process through BC Wildfire that may be available if:

• your property was damaged by wildfire suppression activities, for example, if wildfire crews or equipment damaged fencing, dropped retardant or otherwise had a negative impact on your property; and/or
• you fought the wildfires with your own equipment and have not been compensated.

To initiate the claims process, please email BCWSClaims@gov.bc.ca or call 778-267-0589.

For damage to farm equipment, fences, etc. from the wildfire:

• Although there are currently no supports available for farmers with property damaged by wildfires, in some past years, BC and federal governments have announced AgriRecovery Programs.
• Please note that it is unknown if these types of programs will be made available in future.
• We recommend that farmers and ranchers take photos of damage and keep receipts when making repairs, just in case retroactive funding becomes available.

For damage to house and/or household items due to fire or an evacuation, it’s a good idea to:

• If you have insurance, contact you provider ASAP.
• Take photos of damage to your home that relates to the fire.
• Take photos and an inventory of any waste as a result of being evacuated, including spoiled food or other household items.
• Keep receipts.

Please see the Heading Back Home Guide for more tips.

We recognize that cleaning up after an evacuation may involve some additional waste and larger items that need disposal.

Safety Alert: Material that was previously on fire cannot be accepted at PRRD landfills or transfer stations until it has been extinguished for at least 30 days, or is accompanied with a letter from a recognized municipal, local or volunteer fire department, confirming that the material has been fully extinguished and is ready for disposal.  This is to reduce the risk of fires in bins.

Landfills & Transfer Stations: Locations & Hours of Operation

The landfills and transfer stations are open on varying schedules.

For locations and hours of operation, please visit Landfills & Transfer Stations or call the PRRD at 250-784-3200 for assistance.

Dealing with large amounts of garbage:

Cleanup Coupon

• Each property can request a Cleanup Coupon, which can be used up to four times each year to drop off larger amounts of garbage for free at the PRRD transfer stations or landfills. The Coupon has details on how they can be used.
• You must haul your own waste (no commercial service providers) to use the Cleanup Coupons.
• Cleanup Coupons will be available for pick-up at the PRRD office in Fort St. John at 9505 – 100^th Street, Fort St. John starting tomorrow (May 25, 2023)
• Please call 250-784-3200 to have a Cleanup Coupon mailed to you. (Please note that the mail can take a week to arrive.)

Spring Cleanup: June 5-18, 2023

• You can also use the free drop-off of garbage as part of the annual Spring Cleanup
• You must haul your own waste (no commercial service providers).

Household Waste: Take to Tier 1 or 2 Transfer Stations

Regular household waste, including spoiled food in tied, plastic bags, can be dropped off at any of the transfer stations.

Large Household Items and Small Amounts Demolition Waste: Tier 1 Transfer Stations Only

Large items like freezers and refrigerators or demolition waste that would fit in the back of a truck or small trailer can be taken to Tier 1 Transfer Stations. The doors must be securely shut with double straps (e.g. ratchet straps) for safety.

Large Amounts of Demolition Waste – Landfill Only

If there is extensive damage to structures that results in large amounts of demolition waste, this must be taken directly to the landfill.

A Flood Watch has been issued for the Peace Region by the BC River Forecast Centre. This means, with forecasted rain and some high river levels in the region, some rivers may overflow the banks, which could cause flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers.

There is also a potential risk of overland flooding from ditches and other waterways.

Sand and Sandbags

To help you protect your property, sand and sandbags are being delivered to the following locations tonight, and will be available for pick up in the morning.

Chetwynd/Moberly Area

• Iver Johnson Park – 6939 Middlemiss Subdivision, Hasler
• 6511 Wildmare Subdivision – next to the trailer park (look for the orange bin)
• Yips Sub on Moberly Lake – south side of Moberly Lake
• Moberly Lake Fire Hall – 6492 Lakeshore Drive

Tomslake Area

• Tupper Community Hall – 16010 Gundy Rd
• Tomslake Fire Hall – 15407 Tomslake Dr

Upper Halfway Area

• Halfway Graham Community Hall – 22380 Highland Sub

Please bring your own shovel and gloves.

For tips on how to build a sandbag wall, see the PreparedBC video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exb2iUgH8cI

For more information about flooding visit PreparedBC Flood Information.

With current evacuation orders in place in the Peace Region, the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is working with partners in local municipalities to provide Emergency Support Services (ESS) for residents who are under an Evacuation Order. Our thanks go to the many volunteers and staff who are working in our partner communities to support residents who have been evacuated due to wildfires.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR MAY 21 & 22, 2023

Evacuee Registration Assistance Tool

If you are arranging for your own lodging and other service, it is still important to register with ESS. You can also register online and then go to a Reception Centre.

Online registration: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/

ESS Reception Centre Locations & Hours of Operation

ESS Reception Centres are set up in the communities listed below, and residents who are under an Evacuation Order can choose their preferred location. Please register with ESS, even if you have arranged for your own lodging, as this ensures you have access to ESS for vouchers for food or other essential items, or if further assistance is needed in future.

Fort St John

May 21, 2023 Hours: 11:00am to 3:00pm

May 22, 2023 Hours: 11:00am to 3:00pm

May 23, 2023 Hours: 11am to 3pm

Reception Centre Location: North Peace Arena, 9805 96 Avenue, Fort St John

Phone: 250-794-3310

Services Available:

• Vouchers for food and/or campsites
• Assistance with filling prescriptions

Dawson Creek

May 21, 2023 – Open until 5 p.m.

Call 250-794-3310

May 22, 2023 – The Dawson Creek Reception Centre will be CLOSED effective Monday May 22, 2023. If you remain under an Evacuation Order on Monday, May 22, 2023, please visit the Fort St. John ESS Reception Centre at the North Peace Arena 9805-96 Ave between 11am and 3 pm. or call 250-794-3310.

Reception Centre Location: Co-op Mercer Hall, Ovintiv Events Centre, #1 – 300 Highway 2, Dawson Creek

Services Available:

• Vouchers for campsites, hotels and food in Dawson Creek

Please note:

• If your Evacuation Order has been rescinded or you are under an Evacuation Alert, return home. No check-in is required at the Dawson Creek Reception Centre.
• If you are unsure of your property’s status – search for your address using the Web Map.
• For all inquiries, phone the Fort St. John Reception Centre at 250-794-3310.

Chetwynd

May 21 & 22, 2023 – Reception Centre is closed. Please call 250-556-4173.

Reception Centre Location: Chetwynd Recreation Centre, 4552 North Access Road, Chetwynd

Phone: 250-556-4173

Services Available:

• Vouchers for campsites, hotels and food in Chetwynd
• ESS phone is monitored 24 hours a day

Prince George

The Evacuation Reception Centre is now closed but will reopen as needed. Individuals currently under Evacuation Order can renew their support services by phone:

• 24 hour phone-line for evacuees: 778-675-3735

Services Available:

• Vouchers for campsites, hotels and food in Prince George

What does ESS provide?

• Assistance with lodging, food, medications and other essential needs while under an Evacuation Order
• Information to assist with returning home when the Evacuation Order is cancelled
• Other assistance and resources as needed
• If you are planning to stay at a campsite or hotel, you need to register with ESS to receive a voucher to pay for your accommodation.

Asking for a friend, are you okay?

Evacuations are stressful and challenging physically, mentally and emotionally. It is important to ensure you are looking out for your health during these times. Here are some resources:

• Disaster Psychosocial Services are available at the ESS Reception Centre at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John.
• Canadian Red Cross
• Canadian Mental Health Association

Don’t forget to check on your friends, family and neighbours.

ESS FAQ’s

• I don’t need a place to stay or any food, do I need to register with Emergency Support Services?

You do not need to register for ESS, but it helps to give the responding agencies an idea of how many people have evacuated and a way to contact you if we need to do so.

• I can’t make it to the reception centre before it closes, is there a phone number I can call?Yes, you can call the reception centre in Fort St John at 250-794-3310 or Chetwynd at 250-556-4173 if you are still in the Peace Region.  If you have left the Peace Region for Prince George, call Prince George ESS at 778-675-3735.

• I have a place to stay, but need some support with food. Can ESS help while I am evacuated?Yes you can receive vouchers for groceries or restaurants if you are evacuated, but you must register at a reception centre to receive these services.

• I have arranged my own hotel or campsite, can I be reimbursed for this cost?

Only those that have registered with ESS and have received a referral to a hotel or campsite, will have these services paid for by ESS.  ESS cannot reimburse anyone for expenses that they have incurred.

• I left my home without my medication. Is there anyone who can help me?

ESS may be able to help you connect with Northern Health to get you your prescriptions.

How to reach the PRRD:

• PRRD Public Emergency Info Line: 250-219-5210
• PRRD Emergency Info Email: emergency-info@prrd.bc.ca

With current evacuation orders in place in the Peace Region, the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is working with partners in local municipalities to provide Emergency Support Services (ESS) for residents who are under an Evacuation Order.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR MAY 19-21, 2023

What does ESS provide?

• Assistance with lodging, food, medications and other essential needs while under an Evacuation Order
• Information to assist with returning home when the Evacuation Order is cancelled
• Other assistance and resources as needed
• If you are planning to stay at a campsite or hotel, you need to register with ESS to receive a voucher to pay for your accommodation.

Evacuee Registration Assistance Tool

If you are arranging for your own lodging and other service, it is still important to register with ESS. You can also register online and then go to a Reception Centre.

Online registration: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/

Where to go for Emergency Support Services

ESS Reception Centres are set up in the communities listed below, and residents who are under an Evacuation Order can choose their preferred location. Please register with ESS, even if you have arranged for your own lodging, as this ensures you have access to ESS for vouchers for food or other essential items, or if further assistance is needed in future.

Fort St John

May 19, 2023 Hours: 1:00pm to 5:00pm

May 20, 2023 Hours: CLOSED – Call 250-219-5210 (May 20, 2023 only)

May 21, 2023 Hours: 11:00am to 3:00pm

May 22, 2023 Hours: 11:00am to 3:00pm

Reception Centre Location: North Peace Arena, 9805 96 Avenue, Fort St John

Phone: 250-794-3310

Services Available:

• Vouchers for food and/or campsites
• Assistance with filling prescriptions

Dawson Creek

May 19, 2023 Hours: 1:00pm to 5:00pm

May 20, 2023 – Call 250-219-5210

The Dawson Creek Reception Centre will be CLOSED effective Monday May 22, 2023.

Reception Centre Location: Co-op Mercer Hall, Ovintiv Events Centre, #1 – 300 Highway 2, Dawson Creek

Services Available:

• Vouchers for campsites, hotels and food in Dawson Creek

Please note:

• If your Evacuation Order has been rescinded or you are under an Evacuation Alert, return home. No check-in is required at the Dawson Creek Reception Centre.
• If you are unsure of your property’s status – search for your address using the Web Map.
• If you remain under an Evacuation Order on Monday, May 22, 2023, please visit the Fort St.
  John ESS Reception Centre at the North Peace Arena 9805-96 Ave between 11am and 3 pm.
• For all inquiries, phone the Fort St. John Reception Centre at 250-794-3310.

Chetwynd

May 19, 2023 Hours:8:00am to 5:00pm

Reception Centre Location: Chetwynd Recreation Centre, 4552 North Access Road, Chetwynd

Phone: 250-556-4173

Services Available:

• Vouchers for campsites, hotels and food in Chetwynd
• ESS phone is monitored 24 hours a day

Prince George

The Evacuation Reception Centre is now closed but will reopen as needed. Individuals currently under Evacuation Order can renew their support services by phone:

• 24 hour phone-line for evacuees: 778-675-3735

Services Available:

• Vouchers for campsites, hotels and food in Prince George

ESS FAQ’s

• I don’t need a place to stay or any food, do I need to register with Emergency Support Services?

You do not need to register for ESS, but it helps to give the responding agencies an idea of how many people have evacuated and a way to contact you if we need to do so.

• I can’t make it to the reception centre before it closes, is there a phone number I can call?Yes, you can call the reception centre in Fort St John at 250-794-3310 or Chetwynd at 250-556-4173 if you are still in the Peace Region.  If you have left the Peace Region for Prince George, call Prince George ESS at 778-675-3735.

• I have a place to stay, but need some support with food. Can ESS help while I am evacuated?Yes you can receive vouchers for groceries or restaurants if you are evacuated, but you must register at a reception centre to receive these services.

• I have arranged my own hotel or campsite, can I be reimbursed for this cost?

Only those that have registered with ESS and have received a referral to a hotel or campsite, will have these services paid for by ESS.  ESS cannot reimburse anyone for expenses that they have incurred.

• I left my home without my medication. Is there anyone who can help me?

ESS may be able to help you connect with Northern Health to get you your prescriptions.

How to reach the PRRD:

• PRRD Public Emergency Info Line: 250-219-5210
• PRRD Emergency Info Email: emergency-info@prrd.bc.ca

Effective at 12:00 (noon) on Friday, May 19, 2023, all open fire will be prohibited throughout the Prince George Fire Centre. This prohibition applies to campfires (Category 1), Category 2 and Category 3 open fire as defined in the Wildfire Regulations.

This prohibition will remain in effect until 12:00 (noon) on Sunday, October 15, 2023 or until it is rescinded. Prohibitions apply to all public and private lands unless otherwise specified. A map outlining the area of this prohibition is below.

In addition to prohibiting the use of open fire of any size, the following activities remain prohibited:

• The use of tiki and/or similar kinds of torches
• The use of chimineas
• The use of outdoor stoves or other portable campfire apparatus without a CSA or ULC rating
• The use of fireworks and sky lanterns
• The use of burn barrels or burn cages of any size
• The use of binary exploding targets or air curtain burners

(more…)

With current evacuation orders in place in the Peace Region, the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is working with partners in local municipalities to provide Emergency Support Services (ESS) for residents who are under an Evacuation Order.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR MAY 18, 2023

What does ESS provide?

• Assistance with lodging, food, medications and other essential needs while under an Evacuation Order
• Information to assist with returning home when the Evacuation Order is cancelled
• Other assistance and resources as needed
• If you are planning to stay at a campsite or hotel, you need to register with ESS to receive a voucher to pay for your accommodation.

Evacuee Registration Assistance Tool

If you are arranging for your own lodging and other service, it is still important to register with ESS. You can also register online and then go to a Reception Centre.

Online registration: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/

Where to go for Emergency Support Services

ESS Reception Centres are set up in the communities listed below, and residents who are under an Evacuation Order can choose their preferred location. Please register with ESS, even if you have arranged for your own lodging, as this ensures you have access to ESS for vouchers for food or other essential items, or if further assistance is needed in future.

Fort St John

May 18, 2023 Hours: 1:00pm to 5:00pm

Reception Centre Location: North Peace Arena, 9805 96 Avenue, Fort St John

Phone: 250-794-3310

Services Available:

• Please note – there are no hotels available in Fort St John
• Vouchers for food and/or campsites
• Assistance with filling prescriptions

Dawson Creek

May 18, 2023 Hours: 1:00pm to 5:00pm

Reception Centre Location: Co-op Mercer Hall, Ovintiv Events Centre, #1 – 300 Highway 2, Dawson Creek

Services Available:

• Vouchers for campsites, hotels and food in Dawson Creek

Chetwynd

May 18, 2023 Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm

May 19, 2023 Hours:8:00am to 5:00pm

Reception Centre Location: Chetwynd Recreation Centre, 4552 North Access Road, Chetwynd

Phone: 250-556-4173

Services Available:

• Vouchers for campsites, hotels and food in Chetwynd
• ESS phone is monitored 24 hours a day

Prince George

The Evacuation Reception Centre is now closed but will reopen as needed. Individuals currently under Evacuation Order can renew their support services by phone:

• 24 hour phone-line for evacuees: 778-675-3735

Services Available:

• Vouchers for campsites, hotels and food in Prince George

ESS FAQ’s

• I don’t need a place to stay or any food, do I need to register with Emergency Support Services?

You do not need to register for ESS, but it helps to give the responding agencies an idea of how many people have evacuated and a way to contact you if we need to do so.

• I can’t make it to the reception centre before it closes, is there a phone number I can call?Yes, you can call the reception centre in Fort St John at 250-794-3310 or Chetwynd at 250-556-4173 if you are still in the Peace Region.  If you have left the Peace Region for Prince George, call Prince George ESS at 778-675-3735.

• I have a place to stay, but need some support with food. Can ESS help while I am evacuated?Yes you can receive vouchers for groceries or restaurants if you are evacuated, but you must register at a reception centre to receive these services.

• I have arranged my own hotel or campsite, can I be reimbursed for this cost?

Only those that have registered with ESS and have received a referral to a hotel or campsite, will have these services paid for by ESS.  ESS cannot reimburse anyone for expenses that they have incurred.

• I left my home without my medication. Is there anyone who can help me?

ESS may be able to help you connect with Northern Health to get you your prescriptions.

How to reach the PRRD:

• PRRD Public Emergency Info Line: 250-219-5210
• PRRD Emergency Info Email: emergency-info@prrd.bc.ca

If you need access to areas under an Evacuation Order, there is a permit process in place.

Please note that temporary entry permits are for essential personnel only – people who have a legitimate need to temporarily enter evacuated areas, such as to take care of livestock, monitor oil gas facilities or other critical service requirements.

To apply for a permit to temporarily enter an area under an Evacuation Order, please submit a Temporary Entry Permit Application.

If you need assistance or additional information about temporary entry permits, please email EOC.entrypermits@prrd.bc.ca.

The PRRD Emergency Operations Centre and BC Wildfire will screen the applications and will assess safety risks. Permits will be authorized on a case-by-case basis. The goal is to review applications for next-day access, and access is based on a safety assessment.

Applications must be submitted prior to 5 p.m. to be considered for the next day.