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
If you have moved from ORDER to ALERT:
-
You can go home.
If you remain under an Evacuation ORDER and you are receiving ESS in ANY community:
- Renewal referrals will be provided in Fort St. John at the Emergency Support Services Reception Centre at the North Peace Arena (9805 – 96 Ave, Fort St. John).
- After hours, please call 250-794-3310.
If you remain under an Evacuation ORDER and you have not evacuated yet:
- Register at the Emergency Support Services Reception Centre at the North Peace Arena (9805 – 96 Ave, Fort St. John).
- After hours, please call 250-794-3310.
please speak with the Reception Centre you registered with.
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
