Emergency News – Archived
Map Links for Evacuation Alerts & Orders
Map Tool
The PRRD also has a webmap tool that resident can use to search their address. Please note that this is a large area, so the map takes time to load.
To see if your property is included:
- Use the webmap tool
- Or scan the QR code
- Enter your address in the search bar at the top.
PDF Maps
Here are the maps for the current Evacuation Orders and Alerts for the wildfires. Please click on the list below to view the PDF maps.
Red Creek/Stoddart Creek Evacuation Order Map
Red Creek/Stoddart Creek Evacuation Alert Map
Cameron River Evacuation Alert Map
MEDIA RELEASE May 15, 2023 Evacuation Order & Alert For Red Creek & Stoddart Creek
For Immediate release
May 15, 2023
Combined Evacuation Order and Alert For Red Creek and Stoddart Creek Wildfires
Extremely volatile fire activity expected
The PRRD has issued combined Evacuation Orders and Alerts for the Stoddart Creek and Red Creek wildfires, and a State of Local Emergency is declared for both Electoral areas B and C.
“This is a very dangerous situation, and we’re here to support our communities, but we need residents leave immediately when an Evacuation Order is issued as it is not safe to stay behind,” say Mike Watkins, PRRD Emergency Operations Centre Director. “It is critical for residents in Evacuation Order areas to leave immediately.”
Red Creek/Stoddart Creek Evacuation Order #2 affects approximately 1800 properties and includes the following communities:
| · Charlie Lake (Properties north of Highway 29 and 246 Road) | · Prespatou |
| · Montney | · Peejay |
| · Rose Prairie | · Nig Creek |
| · North Pine | · Altona |
| · Coffee Creek | · Osborn |
| · Buick Creek | · Murdale, |
| · Pineview |
A Reception Centre is set up at Mercer Hall, Ovintiv Events Centre (formerly Encana Events Centre) #1, 300 Hwy 2, Dawson Creek. Evacuees can also call Emergency Support Services at 250-784-4681, which is available even if the Reception Centre is closed.
Red Creek/Stoddart Creek Evacuation Alert #3 affects approximately 3,100 properties in the following areas:
- Charlie Lake
- Baldonnel
- Clayhurst
- Two Rivers and Flatrock
- Goodlow and Cecil Lake
When on an Alert, residents are encouraged to use the Evacuation Alert Checklist at www.prrd.bc.ca under Emergency News to get ready to leave. If assistance is needed to evacuate from the area, such as for transportation, mobility, health, or other needs, please call 1-800-670-7773. Farmers in the affected area should move their livestock to safer areas if possible.
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Media Contact:
EOC Information Officer
Ph: 250 784-3200
Email: EOC.Info1@prrd.bc.ca
Summary of Evacuation Alerts & Orders in PRRD – May 13, 2023
There was significant fire activity today, resulting in several Evacuation Alerts and Orders for the Peace Region. The following is a summary of the current status for the various wildfires affecting communities. Residents are encouraged to check their address using the
Changes Posted Today (May 13, 2023 as of 11:15 p.m.)
Stoddart Creek Wildfire
- Stoddart Creek Evacuation Order #1 is in effect for properties in the area North of 256 Rd, south of Blueberry River (272 Rd), east of Hwy 97 and Beatton Airport Rd, west of Prespatou Rd.. For more details, including a list of the civic addresses included in this Order, visit https://prrd.thedev.ca/stoddart-creek-evacuation-order-1/
There was also a Tactical Evacuation of residents in the Shepherd’s Inn area, with emergency personnel going door-to-door due to the safety risk from the fire, and this area also falls under the Stoddart Creek Evacuation.
- Stoddart Creek Evacuation Alert #1 is in effect for the following areas:
- East of Highway 97N,
- North of North Pine Road,
- West of the Beatton River,
- South of Buick Creek Road,
- South of Mile 73 Road,
- South-East of Aitken Creek Road.
For details visit https://prrd.thedev.ca/stoddart-creek-evacuation-alert-1/
Boundary Lake Wildfire
- Boundary Lake Evacuation Order Rescinded. The five properties that were under the Evacuation Order are now under and Evacuation Alert. For details visit https://prrd.thedev.ca/boundary-lake-evacuation-order-rescinded/
- Boundary Lake Evacuation Alert #5 remains in place and now includes all of the properties that were under Evacuation Alert #4 as well as the five properties that were downgraded to an alert when the Evacuation Order was rescinded.
For details visit https://prrd.thedev.ca/boundary-lake-evacuation-alert-5/
Donnie Creek/Tommy Lakes Wildfire
This is a remote area which is sparsely populated and used primarily by forestry and the oil and gas industry.
- Donnie Creek/Tommy Lakes Evacuation Order #1 is in effect for the following areas:
- 89 km and north on the Tommy Lakes Road,
- Extending to the confluence of the Sikanni Chief River and the Buckinghorse River in the southeast,
- To the border with the Norther Rockies Regional Municipality in the north
- To the Gutah and West Gutah Creek in the east.
For details visit https://prrd.thedev.ca/donnie-creek-tommy-lakes-evacuation-order/
- Donnie Creek/Tommy Lakes Evacuation Alert #1 is in for the following areas:
- km 77 and north to km 89 on Tommy Lakes Road,
- extending east to Wendy Lake,
- to the border with the Norther Rockies Regional Municipality in the North.
For details visit https://prrd.thedev.ca/donnie-creek-tommy-lakes-evacuation-alert/
Areas Without Changes (as of May 13, 2023 as of 11:15 p.m.)
Red Creek Wildfire
- Red Creek Evacuation Order #1 remains in place with no changes. The affected areas and civic addresses are listed at https://prrd.thedev.ca/red-creek-evacuation-order-1/
- Red Creek Evacuation Alert #2 remains in place with no changes. The affected areas are listed at https://prrd.thedev.ca/red-creek-evacuation-alert-2/.
Important Notice: Some Red Creek Area residents under an Evacuation Alert may be affected by the Stoddart Creek Evacuation Order
Residents in Red Creek Area East of Hwy 97 North who are under the Red Creek Wildfire Evacuation Alert #2 may also be in the Stoddart Creek Wildfire Evacuation Order. It’s important to check the civic address list and the map posted under Emergency News, and if they are in the Evacuation Order area, they must leave the area immediately
Residents are encouraged to check their address using the webmap at https://webmap.prrd.bc.ca/map/?viewer=Public&layerTheme=&scale=1155581.108577&basemap=¢er=-13337110.324756622%2C7670005.787414556&layers=
Important Information for Residents in Red Creek Area East of Hwy 97N
Residents who live in the Red Creek area East of Highway 97 North who are under the Red Creek Wildfire Evacuation Alert #2, you may now also be under the Stoddart Creek Wildfire Evacuation Order #1. Please refer to the current Alerts and Orders webmap to see if you are now under the Stoddart Creek Evacuation Order #1. If so, you must evacuate immediately.
Please follow the instructions on the Stoddart Creek Evacuation Order.
MEDIA RELEASE Reception Centre Opened for Shepherd’s Inn Evacuees
The Peace River Regional District is working with the Emergency Support Services team in Fort St. John to provide assistance to residents in the Shepherd’s Inn area who are being evacuated by emergency response personnel following a fire start up this afternoon. When emergency personnel do this type of evacuation, it is considered a tactical evacuation and, it means there is an immediate risk from the wildfire in the areas.
The PRRD Emergency Operations Centre is waiting for further direction from BC Wildfire regarding issuing an Evacuation Order.
If residents in the area feel they are at risk, please evacuate immediately. Evacuees are asked to go to Fort St. John via Highway 97 North.
Evacuees are encouraged to check in at the Reception Centre at the North Peace Arena, located at 9805 96 Avenue, Fort St. John to register with Emergency Support Services (ESS), or call 250-794-3310. Registering with ESS ensures that evacuees have access to support, including setting up a place to stay, sourcing medicine, getting help with clothing and other essential needs.
These tactical evacuations in the Shepherd’s Inn area are in addition to the Evacuation Order and Alert issued today for the Donnie Creek/Tommy Lakes area, which are posted at prrd.bc.ca. The Donnie Creek/Tommy Lakes area is sparsely populated and is used primarily by the forestry, and oil and gas industry. The Evacuation Order and Alert remain in place for Red Creek, and the Evacuation Alert for Boundary Lake remains in place as well. For details visit prrd.bc.ca.
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Media Contact:
EOC Information Officer
Ph: 250 784-3200
Email: EOC.Info1@prrd.bc.ca
Red Creek Expanded Evacuation Alert Media Release
Evacuation Alert Area Expanded for Red Creek Wildfire
The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) has issued an expanded Evacuation Alert for the Red Creek wildfire in response to recommendations from BC Wildfire. Red Creek Evacuation Alert 2 includes all of the existing properties under an Alert, as well as an additional 451 civic addresses in the following areas:
- Extending North to the intersection of Highway 97N and the Beatton Airport Road to the intersection of Rose Prairie Road and Prespatou Road
- Extending East to Prespatou Road, 256 Road, 281 Road, and the West shore Charlie Lake
- Extending South to Highway 29N, from the intersection of Highway 97N to Bear Flats.
The following properties remain under an Evacuation Alert:
- From the intersection of Highway 97N and Beatton Airport Road, heading north along Highway 97N to the 258 Road.
- Heading west beyond North Cache Creek,
- Heading northeast to Fox Creek
- Due west to the Prespatou Roa
- Follow the Prespatou Road south to the 256 road
- Following the 256 road west to the 281 Road
- Following the 281 road south to the 254 Road
- Following the 254 Road to Highway 97N
- As well as the area 5.5km west of Highway 97N and 4km north of Lyndon Subdivision
To view the Red Creek Evacuation Alert 2 visit prrd.bc.ca.
The current Evacuation Orders for Red Creek remain in place.
As part of notifying residents on the affected properties, the PRRD issued the Alert on its website, sent a notification via the North East BC Emergency Alert system, and posted information Facebook and Twitter. There is also an Evacuation Alert Checklist posted on the website to help residents prepare for a possible evacuation.
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Media Contact:
EOC Information Officer
Ph: 250 784-3200
Email: EOC.Info1@prrd.bc.ca
Media Release – Boundary Lake Evacuation Order Downgraded for Additional Properties
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate release
May 9, 2023
5:30 p.m.
Boundary Lake Evacuation Order: Downgraded for Additional Properties
The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) has announced 21 properties have been downgraded from an Evacuation Order to an Evacuation Alert, which means residents on these properties can return home. Three addresses on Clayhurst Road and two addresses on Moose Creek Road remain under the Evacuation Order. There are no changes to the Red Creek Evacuation Orders or Alerts.
BoundaryLakeFire_Evac_Overview_20230509
“We are continuing to work with BC Wildfire to identify when and where we can safely allow people to return home, which we know is important for our residents,” said Leonard Hiebert, Chair, Peace River Regional District. “It’s also important to remember that there are still active wildfires in the Boundary Lake and Red Creek areas, so please avoid these areas and keep the roads clear as much as possible.”
To view the updated Boundary Lake Evacuation Alerts and Orders for Boundary Lake, visit prrd.bc.ca.
Returning residents are being advised to use extra caution as there are downed powerlines throughout the area. All downed power lines should be treated as dangerous, and it’s important to stay at least 10 metres away. If powerlines are across roads or other access points on or near property, or if there are any other emergency concerns about the power outage, residents are asked to contact White Cap Resources, the contractor for BC Hydro, at 1 250-262-2405 and ask for on-call electricians, or BC Hydro directly at 1-800-224-9376.
With the extensive damage to power poles and transformers from the fire, BC Hydro has advised that there could be significant delays before power can be restored. If returning residents are without power, Emergency Support Services (ESS) may be available. Residents are asked to contact ESS at 1-250-794-3310. to inquire about available services.
To assist returning residents, the PRRD has also created a Heading Back Home Guide with safety tips and resources, which is posted at prrd.bc.ca under Emergency News.
An initial rapid damage assessment of structures in the Boundary Lake wildfire area has been completed, and, at this time, there are three properties where there is significant damage to houses. The PRRD is in contact with the homeowners and has offered them support. The third house is believed to be uninhabited. There is no confirmed information on structure impacts in the Red Creek wildfire.
As another measure to support residents, the PRRD has instituted a temporary entry permit process for areas under Evacuation Orders for the Boundary Lake and Red Creek wildfires. The PRRD initiated this process as part of its standard practice to provide a means for essential personnel to gain temporary access to their property for urgent reasons such as attending to livestock. Permits can be now applied for here or by calling 250-784-4832. Applications must be submitted prior to 5 p.m. for next day access.
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Media Contact:
EOC Information Officer
Email: EOC.Info1@prrd.bc.ca
Heading Back Home Guide
May 22, 2023
When the Peace River Regional District has cancelled an Evacuation Order, allowing you to return to your property and community, it’s important to use caution as there may be hazards remaining in the area.
Not sure if your property is in an Order or Alert area?
Use our 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.
Before You Go Back Home
You are advised to bring basic necessities with you.
Do you have the following? Plan ahead.
- A full tank of gas
- Personal protective equipment such as hard-soled boots or shoes, face mask, heavy + rubber gloves
- A flashlight, tools, cleaning supplies, trash bags and a first aid kit
- Enough food and drinking water, including any special dietary needs
- Medications
- Food for your pets
- Special mobility or other needs
Be Safe When Entering Your Community
Once you re-enter your local community, stay observant and connected, as conditions may change suddenly.
| Please help us reach you quickly in the event of an emergency! Subscribe to the Peace River Regional District Emergency Alert system to receive emergency information via email, texts, or automated voice calls. To register, go to North East BC. |
Depending on the nature of the emergency, remaining hazards may include heavy equipment and ongoing operations, impacts to roads and structures, damaged trees, unstable slopes, displaced wildlife, and property damage that may include contaminated foods and refrigeration equipment.
Please notify the Peace River Regional District of any safety concerns by calling 250-784-3200.
Some nearby properties may remain on Evacuation Order or be subject to new Evacuation Orders in the future due to public safety concerns. Please respect restricted/on-order areas.
Your property may remain within an Evacuation Alert area; if so, be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Regularly check the Peace River Regional District website for current information on Emergency Orders, Alerts and news.
Inspect Your Home
Walk carefully around the outside of your home before entering and check for fire, water and smoke damage, debris, loose power lines, gas leaks and any other structural damage, and wildlife such as bears and coyotes. To report general concerns, call: Peace River Regional District at 250-784-3200.
Natural Gas
When first entering your building(s) do not smoke, light matches or operate electrical switches and electronics. If you smell natural gas as you enter (smells like rotten eggs) exit the building immediately, leaving the door and any already open windows open behind you. Then, from a safe distance, contact the Pacific Northern Gas Emergency line.
If your gas has been shut off, contact Pacific Northern Gas Emergency 24-Hour Service: 1-800-663-1173
BC Hydro
If you have questions, have no service, or are experiencing fluctuations in electrical service quality, contact BC Hydro. BC Hydro at 1-888-769 3766 or *49376 on your cell phone.
Road Access
Even though your property may no longer be within an Evacuation Order, heavy equipment and other operations related to the incident may be ongoing in the local area. Use caution.
Cleaning Up
Perishable Food: When deciding what food to keep or throw away, remember the motto: When in doubt, throw it out!
Read below “Waste Disposal & Refrigeration Disposal” to learn about options for waste disposal. If you have any questions about safely disposing of spoiled food, please contact the Environmental Health Officer at your local Health Unit.
Cleaning Fridges & Freezers: The property owner must determine if their refrigeration unit(s) can be appropriately cleaned for use or should be replaced (at the owner’s expense). Contact your home insurance provider to see if this cost is covered.
- Individuals who undertake cleaning should take preventive measures such as wearing protective gloves and a good quality mask (N-95 or better) to prevent inhalation of mould / microbiological matter. Goggles are recommended.
- If possible, move refrigeration appliances outside to empty, clean and ventilate to minimize air quality issues indoors.
- Double bag garbage (rotten food in the refrigeration units) and tie it at once to prevent the airborne spread of moulds and odours. Air out / ventilate interior spaces, leaving doors and windows open and exhaust fans on.
- Individuals with asthma, COPD and other breathing-related illnesses should exercise particular care.
- A 1000 ppm bleach solution (3 tablespoons of bleach in a litre of water) will suffice for proper disinfection. Ideally, the bleach solution should be sprayed or wiped and left for 5 to 10 minutes for adequate contact time
Waste Disposal & Refrigeration Disposal: Emergencies often result in damage to property or contents and this may include contaminated or spoiled food, contaminate or damaged refrigeration appliances and other items. Contact your insurance company for coverage details.
All spoiled foods, and any other items wherever possible, must be securely bagged before transporting to a PRRD waste facility. Do not store bagged foodstuffs where animals can access. Refrigeration appliances must have all doors securely taped to prevent them from opening for safety and before they will be accepted at a waste facility.
Property owners and residents each year receive from PRRD four coupons providing tipping access at any district waste facility. If you have not received your coupons for this year, please contact Peace River Regional District at 250-784-3200 and ask for the Finance Department.
Additionally, annually there are two seasonal cleanup opportunities providing free tipping. Click here for details. Note: These offers are only available to residents or property owners hauling their own waste.
Water & Sewage: Verify your water supply and waste systems are functioning normally and that you have notified your water provider that you have returned home and if needed, require service.
Northern Health advises that if your water source is a well, please test it for water quality before consumption.
You can find Northern Health water sample drop-off locations here.
For information on how to disinfect a water well, please click here.
Residents with potable water cisterns should check the cistern and pipe integrity (breakage and leaks). Flushing out any stagnant water and refilling is recommended.
Call 250-263-6000-Option 7 for any questions related to drinking water safety.
Taking Care Of Yourself
Northern Health advises that it is natural to have feelings of fear, anxiety, powerlessness, sadness or anger following a stressful or traumatic event. To help yourself and your loved ones:
- Expect many different thoughts, feelings and emotions throughout your days and the coming weeks. Give yourself and others time, support and kindness to move through it.
- Connect with family and friends – spend time together over a meal or an activity.
- Make time for activities that make you feel good – walk with a friend, exercise, take a long bath, or listen to your favourite music.
- Stick to your regular routine – go to bed and get up at your normal time, nourish your body and exercise daily.
- You are a role model for your children. They learn to cope with disaster by watching how we do it, so be open, talk to them and include them in whatever way works for you. Get age-appropriate tips to involve them by checking out the Canadian Mental Health Association.
In case of crisis, reach out for help by calling and explaining your circumstances:
- Emergency: 9-1-1
- Crisis: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
Talking can help.
- CMHA #TalkInToughTimes 1-977-427-4884.
- BC’s 310Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day at 310-6789 (do not add an area code).
- KUU-US Crisis Response Service at 1-800-588-8717 provides culturally-aware crisis support for Indigenous peoples in BC.
- Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service at 1-800-663-1441 can help you find resources and support.
Northern Health Virtual Primary & Community Care Clinic at 1-844-645-7811 offers access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner, including for mental health needs.
Emergency Preparedness
Reassess your personal and family readiness should a future disaster occur. Having an emergency plan and emergency kits (home, vehicle and workplace) will help you to be more prepared for emergencies and evacuations.
Links for personal preparedness:
Community Resources
Resiliency Centre: Established temporarily for emergency responses having a broad impact on a community, a Resiliency Centre is a drop-in center for affected residents to connect with community resources. To learn if a Resiliency Centre has been established for the incident impacting you, check the Peace River Regional District website or call 250-784-3200.
Emergency Support Services: Support services are short-term (usually available for no more than 72 hours) food, lodging and other supports provided to those impacted by evacuation orders and certain other circumstances. When orders are lifted and it is safe to return home, such supports terminate. Therefore, while receiving Emergency Support Services, you must start making arrangements for your return home or locate alternative accommodations if returning home is impossible. If you need additional information on ESS or cannot plan your own return home, please speak to the ESS team assisting you or contact Peace River Regional District at 250-784-3200.
Disaster Financial Assistance: If you have insurance, contact your provider ASAP.
The provincial government may declare the event eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) after a disaster. Once declared, the DFA program may provide applicants financial assistance to restore uninsurable losses essential to their home, livelihood or community service.
Note: Not all losses are eligible for DFA support. For example, no provincial funding stream is currently available to provide financial assistance for wildfire damage, as these losses would be covered under insurance or are considered insurable.
For more information on Disaster Financial Assistance, please click here.
Mental Health Support Line: To reach a mental health support worker trained to provide emotional and Mental Health support 24 hours a day: Call 310-6789 (do not add an area code before the number) or check out their website.
Employee Assistance Programs: Your employer may have an employee assistance program (EAP). EAP is a work-based intervention program designed to identify and assist employees in resolving personal problems (e.g., marital, financial or emotional problems; family issues; substance/alcohol abuse) that may adversely affect the employee’s performance. Please get in touch with your employer to see if this service is available.
HealthLink BC: To access free, non-emergency health information for anyone in your family, including mental health information. You can also speak to a registered nurse about symptoms you’re worried about or talk with a pharmacist about medication questions. Call 811 or click here.
For More Information
Peace River Regional District Emergency Operations Centre & Social Media
Phone: 250-784-3200
Email (during emergency): emergency-info@prrd.bc.ca
Website: www.prrd.bc.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialPRRD/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/prrdistrict
Community Contacts
Police, Ambulance:
Emergency 9-1-1
Police-Non-Emergency Find non-emergency number for your area
Resiliency Centre
(Contact PRRD at 250-784-3200 for current information)
Pacific Northern Gas 1-800-663-1173
BC Hydro 1-888-769 3766
Telus 1-800-663-0333
Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure 250-787-3237
MOTI Road Contractor – North Peace 1-800-842-4122
MOTI Road Contractor – South Peace 1-800-663-7623
Northern Health – Health Units
Health Link BC 811
Mental Health Support Line 310-6789
(do not add an area code before the number)
Talk In Tough Times 1-877-427-4884
BC Assessment Authority 1-866-825-8322
Insurance Bureau of Canada 1-844-227-5422
Disaster Financial Assistance 1-888-257-4777
Emergency Info BC 250-952-4913
Category 2 Fire Prohibition in Effect 1200hrs (noon) May 5, 2023
May 4, 2023
PRINCE GEORGE– Effective at 12:00 pm (noon) on Friday, May 5, 2023, the BC Wildfire Service has issued a Category 2 open burning is prohibited within the Peace Forest District and the Fort Nelson Forest District. This prohibition remains in force until the earlier of 12:00 noon PDT on June 2, 2023 or until the Order is rescinded. (This includes all of the electoral (rural) areas in the Peace River Regional District).
All persons lighting, fuelling, or using any of the open fires listed above within the restricted area to cease doing so and to extinguish all such fires.
The following activities and use of the following equipment, materials and substances also remain prohibited:
- Category 2 open fires
- Fireworks
- Sky Lanterns
- Burn Barrels or Burn Cages of any size or description
- Binary exploding targets
- Air Curtain Burners
To review the full fire prohibition and a map of the area under the fire prohibition visit BC Wildfire’s website.
Charlie Lake wildfire (G80190)
*To stay up to date on the current wildfire situation visit the BC Wildfire Service Map
*Register for NEBC alerts to receive important emergency notifications for the Peace River region
Current: EOC Level 1 (monitoring)
May 5, 2023 08:50
Chief Albury with the Charlie Lake Fire Department reports that there was no further growth of the fire last night. The fire remains highly visible but is not a threat to structures at this time.
BC Wildfire will continue to action the fire today and will receive support from the Charlie Lake Fire Department where needed. BC Wildfire has classified this fire as a fire of note, updates from BC Wildfire are provided on this dedicated webpage.
The Charlie Lake Fire Department, BC Wildfire Service, Fort St John Fire Department, Fort St John Airport Fire Department, Taylor Fire Department, and other first responders worked quickly to contain the fire and maintain public safety.
May 4, 2023 20:00
The Alaska Highway has reopened to single-lane traffic near the Wolsey Subdivision.
May 4, 2023 – 19:00
Wildfire crews and several local fire departments are prioritizing structure protection with the support from aviation and heavy equipment.
No evacuation alerts or evacuation orders have been issued. If you have not registered for NEBC alerts please do so at nebcalerts.com.
This fire has crossed Highway 97. As a result, this highway is currently closed. Please refer to DriveBC for updates on road conditions.
Fire rank definitions can be found on the BC Wildfire Service website.
