Emergency News – Archived
Provincial Supports for Agricultural Losses due to Wildfire
The Province has announced the 2023 Canada – British Columbia Wildfire and Drought Recovery Initiative. Funded by the AgriRecovery Program, this initiative will provide funding and support for agricultural producers who have experienced certain losses due to the wildfire and drought season. To find out more information or to apply by January 31, 2024, please visit the link below:
Stoddart Creek Evacuation Alert #8
Issued on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 1600 hours (4:00 pm)
Official notice: Evacuation Alert #8 – Stoddart Creek, September 24, 2023 (pdf)
Based on recommendations from BC Wildfire, the Peace River Regional District has issued an Evacuation Alert area for the Stoddart Creek wildfire. This Alert is being issued because of the potential danger to life and health in the area formerly subject to Evacuation Order #5. Evacuation Alert #8 is now in effect in the following areas:
- Following the southern boundary of Blueberry River First Nations reserve lands and the Blueberry River east to the bridge on the Prespatou Road,
- South along Prespatou Road to a point 3.2 km north of 264 Road,
- Due west to a point 3.2 km east of the Beatton Airport Road,
- Due north to the point of intersection with the Blueberry River, and,
the area includes the following addresses:13408 272 Rd 17483 Prespatou Rd 13368 272 Rd 17903 Prespatou Rd 13646 272 Rd 13769 272 Rd 12953 272 Rd 17493 279 Rd 12881 272 Rd 18354 277 Rd 13469 272 Rd 17773 Prespatou Rd 18183 Prespatou Rd 18352 277 Rd 17795 Prespatou Rd 17777 Prespatou Rd
This Alert does not affect First Nations communities or municipalities as they issue their own Orders and Alerts.
Evacuation Alert Area Mapping
Stoddart Creek Alert #8 Area Map (pdf)
To determine if your property is under an Evacuation Order or an Evacuation Alert, you can visit the PRRD Online Map Tool. Then, enter your address in the search bar at the top.
This is the time to GET PREPARED to leave your home on short notice.
An Evacuation Alert has been issued to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property should it be found necessary. Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to an evacuation; however, you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.
- Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area should an Evacuation Order be called while separated.
- Sign up for North East BC Emergency notifications at NEBCAlerts.com to receive alerts about Evacuation Orders and Alerts.
- Pack essential items for a quick departure, such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g. insurance, passports, birth certificates, banking and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependents, cell phone and charger and, if time and space permits, personal keepsakes.
- Prepare to move disabled persons, children and neighbours if they need assistance.
- Prepare to take pets with you, including pet care items (leash, carrier, food), and move livestock to a safe area (if possible).
- Arrange transportation for all your household, and fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles.
- Arrange accommodation for all members of the residence, if possible.
- If you need assistance evacuating from the area, such as for transportation, mobility, health, or other needs, please call 1-800-670-7773.
- Wait for an Evacuation Order to be issued BEFORE evacuating.
- Monitor prrd.bc.ca for information on evacuation orders, location of Reception Centres and their hours of operation.
An Evacuation Alert checklist is available under Emergency News at https://prrd.bc.ca/evacuation-alert-checklist.
Additional information about Evacuation Alerts and Orders will be posted at prrd.bc.ca.
Emergency Information Email: emergency-info@prrd.bc.ca
BC Wildfire is responsible for the wildfire firefighting response. For updates and additional information, visit bcwildfire.ca.
Online Map Tool
Here’s how you can search for your address to see if you’re in an Alert or Order area (or neither):
Map Tool
The fastest way to see if your property is included is to use the Address Search at the top left on the Map Tool:
- Click on the Map Tool
- Or scan the QR code
- Enter your address in the search bar at the top.
If you are still having difficulty, please contact the PRRD at 1-800-670-7773.
Please note that the PRRD’s Orders and Alerts do not apply to First Nations communities or municipalities as they issue their own Orders and Alerts.
One Island Lake Temporary Entry Permit Process
Attention One Island Lake Residents:
We are setting up a process to provide you with temporary access to your property as we understand that some residents would like to be able to collect some personal items.
Please note: Temporary access will be offered on June 16, 17 and 18 under strict conditions and if it is safe to do so as the nearby wildfires continue to pose a significant risk to public safety.
Anyone wishing temporary access will require a Temporary Entry Permit, and access for people with Permits will be between 10 a.m. to Dusk. You will need to show the Permit along with identification with your address at a security checkpoint when you enter and leave as the area remains under an Evacuation Order.
A few important notes:
- Access is only for retrieving items from your home/cabin. Please collect your items and leave the area as quickly as possible. You must leave by Dusk at the latest (no overnighting).
- Under no circumstances is access allowed to be used for recreational purposes.
- Persons under the age of 19 will not be permitted in the Evacuation Order area.
- While we are aiming to provide this access for the next three days (June 16-18), this could change as wildfire activity in the area is volatile, and BC Wildfire (BCWS) will assess whether it is safe to enter.
- BCWS representatives will be in the area, and wildfire and structure protection operations are ongoing. If any equipment blocks your access, do not drive over it or move it on your own. Seek a BCWS representative to make access possible.
Here’s how to apply for a Temporary Entry Permit:
- Complete the Temporary Entry Permit application form.
- We will do our best to process the applications as quickly as possible. In general, Temporary Entry Permit requests received before 5:00 p.m. will be granted for the following day if conditions allow.
- Permits will be authorized on a case-by-case basis and will be issued based on a safety assessment conducted by the PRRD Emergency Operations Centre and BC Wildfire.
Please check this page for updates on any changes to this process or additional access times.
Emergency Support Services Update June 11-12
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. Reminder: please stay in the community where you registered.
Fort St John
June 11, 2023 Hours: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June 12, 2023 Hours: 10 a.m. -2 p.m.
Reception Centre Location: Pomeroy Sport Centre (9324 – 96 Street)
Dawson Creek
June 11, 2023 Hours: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June 12, 2023 Hours: 10 a.m. -2 p.m.
Reception Centre Location: Mercer Hall, Ovintiv Events Centre, #1 – 300 Highway 2
Chetwynd
June 11, 2023 Hours: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June 12, 2023 Hours: 10 a.m. -2 p.m.
Reception Centre Location: District Town Hall (5400 Hospital Road)
Note: No hotel space available at this time.
Evacuation Alerts & Orders Update for June 10, 2023
Based on the current conditions and in consultation with BC Wildfire, the PRRD is not anticipating any changes to its Evacuation Order and Alert areas today. It’s important to note that the wildfire situation remains volatile in the region, and the best way for residents to stay informed about Evacuation Orders and Alerts is to sign up for North East BC Alerts at NEBCAlerts.com.
“It’s been a challenging month for our region, and I can’t say enough about the amazing work being done by the Emergency Support Services volunteers and staff, the emergency personnel out in the field dealing with the wildfire impacts – including members of the Charlie Lake Fire Department and many of our member municipality fire departments who are helping our neighbours in Tumbler Ridge – and the many community members who continue to step up to help each other,” says Leonard Hiebert, Chair, Peace River Regional District. “Our Emergency Operations Centre team is working closely with BC Wildfire to ensure we can keep you informed about Evacuation Orders and Alerts, and we all hope to see a shift in the weather soon to help knock down the fires in our region. In the meantime, thank you to everyone who is involved in supporting our region as we deal with these wildfire emergencies.”
TEMPORARY ENTRY PERMIT PROCESS IN PLACE FOR PRRD AND TUMBLER RIDGE
There is a temporary entry permit process in place for the West Kiskatinaw River and Peavine Creek wildfire Evacuation Order areas. The PRRD is coordinating the temporary permit process for its region and in partnership with the District of Tumbler Ridge for its municipality.
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, there is an online Temporary Entry Permit Application.
The PRRD Emergency Operations Centre, District of Tumbler Ridge 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.
OVERVIEW OF PRRD EVACUATION ORDERS AND ALERTS
State of Local Emergency Declarations remain in place for Electoral Areas B, D and E. The following overview is a summary of the current status of Orders and Alerts for wildfires in the PRRD region, and no changes are anticipated today.
West Kiskatinaw River Evacuation Order #3
This Evacuation Order includes areas to the District of Tumbler Ridge municipal boundary in the west and to the One Island Lake community in the east. It does not apply to the District of Tumbler Ridge. The Evacuation Order affects approximately 55 properties in One Island Lake. Most of the remaining Order area is sparsely populated, but it does include Bearhole Lake provincial Park, which is closed due to the wildfire risk and Evacuation Order for the area.
Anyone who has not yet evacuated is urged to do so immediately. For residents whose properties are in the Evacuation Order area, the Reception Centre in Dawson Creek has hotel and camping spaces available today. For after-hours ESS support, call 250-794-3310.
Peavine Creek Evacuation Order #1
The Peavine Creek Evacuation Order affects nine properties, and the rest of the affected area is sparsely populated.
Peavine Creek Evacuation Alert #1
The Peavine Creek Evacuation Alert replaced the West Kiskatinaw Evacuation Alert, and it affects 76 properties in the Kelly Lake community. The remaining areas under this Alert are sparsely populated.
Donnie Creek/Tommy Lakes Alert #7
The Donnie Creek/Tommy Lakes Evacuation Alert #7 was issued Jun. 8, 2023 and applies to an expanded area that includes a small number of rural properties.
The PRRD rescinded its Evacuation Order #5 for the area on Jun. 8, 2023 as an Area Restriction Order managed by BC Wildfire is now in place in the vicinity of the Donnie Creek Complex of fires.
Temporary electric fencing available
Attention Farmers/Ranchers affected by wildfire:
A supply of temporary electric fencing is available for those who lost fencing due to the recent wildfires. Ranchers can use this inventory for short-term electric fencing until fences that were burnt in the wildfires are replaced. Fencing supplies will need to be signed out and returned.
For further information or to arrange pickup of fencing supplies, please contact Thomas Stahl at 250-793-8982.
Temporary Entry Permits for Essential Personnel
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
Please Report Fence Damage From Fire
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 #
- 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.
Returning Home Tips: Damage Claims & Records
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.
