Based on recommendations from BC Wildfire, the Peace River Regional District has reduced the Evacuation Order area for the West Kiskatinaw River wildfire. Most of the areas that were under West Kiskatinaw River Evacuation Order #3 remain under Evacuation Order #4 due to immediate threat to life safety; however, a few areas are now under Evacuation Alert.
Areas Remaining Under Evacuation Order #4
West Kiskatinaw River Evacuation Order #4 remains in place for approximately 58 properties, including the One Island Lake community and the following areas:
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Starting at the intersection of Hwy 52 N and N Old Fellers Road, travel east to the One Island Lake bridge;
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Following the Kiskatinaw River southeast to a point of intersection with Cutbank Creek;
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continue east along Cutbank Creek from 1 km;
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continue south for approximately 1 km, then travel east for 1.5 km to Hwy 52 E;
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continue south along the west side of Hwy 52 E to km 195;
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continue west along the Kiskatinaw River to the district of Tumbler Ridge boundary, including the Kiskatinaw FSR and Bearhole Lake Road;
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travel north along the district of Tumbler Ridge boundary to km 80 Hwy 52 N; and
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travel north along the east of Hwy 52 N to the intersection of Hwy 52 N and N Old Fellers Road.
Please see below for evacuation information.
Areas Now Under Evacuation Alert
- The areas west of Highway 52N that were previously under West Kiskatinaw River Evacuation Order #3 are now under West Kiskatinaw River Evacuation Alert #2. This means residents in these areas can return home; however, it is important to be prepared to leave again on short notice if needed.
- There is also a small area that extends south from Cutbank Creek and east to Highway 52 East that was previously under West Kiskatinaw River Evacuation Order #3, and is now part of Peavine Creek Evacuation Alert #2.
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.
This Order does not apply to First Nations communities or municipalities as they issue their own Orders and Alerts.
Map of Evacuation Order Area
West Kiskatinaw River Evacuation Order #4 Map PDF
To see if your property is under an Evacuation Order or an Evacuation Alert, go to the Online Map Tool and enter your address in the search bar at the top.
YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY WHEN THERE IS AN EVACUATION ORDER
If your property is in the Evacuation Order area, there is an immediate threat to life safety and 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 call 1-800-670-7773.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN YOU EVACUATE:
- Shut off all gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers.
- If you have time, 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, keys, cellphone and charger) if they are immediately available.
- Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
- Leave the area by safest route. Check DriveBC for road conditions.
- Register for Emergency Support Services (ESS) at one of the following Reception Centres:
- Fort St. John – Pomeroy Sport Centre – 9324 -96 Street
- Chetwynd –District Town Hall – 5400 Hospital Road
- Dawson Creek – Kin Arena – 1101-106 Ave
- Or you can register for ESS by calling 250-784-4681.
West Kiskatinaw River Evacuation Order #4 Official Notice 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
