May 6, 2023 1930hrs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is dealing with significant public safety threats due to uncontrolled local wildfires. Evacuation orders and alerts have been issued for numerous properties in the Red Creek and Boundary Lake areas. Unpredictable winds may contribute to continued growth of the wildfires over the next 24-48 hours.
“The aggressive spread of the Red Creek and Boundary Lake wildfires are creating significant safety risks for our region, and our focus is on keeping our community members safe and supported,” said Leonard Hiebert, Chair, Peace River Regional District. “It’s important for all residents under evacuation order to leave immediately if they have not already done so, and we have Emergency Social Services teams ready to assist you. We will also be providing residents under evacuation alerts and in surrounding areas with updates and ask that they take steps now so they are prepared to leave on short notice if necessary.”
As of Saturday evening, the Boundary Lake wildfire was estimated at approximately 1,900 hectares and has been growing aggressively due to strong winds. The Red Creek wildfire was last estimated at 1,550 hectares and growing. Portions of Red Creek Road, Cecil Lake Road, Clayhurst Road and Lower Cache Road are closed due to the fires. The PRRD has declared a State of Local Emergency for Electoral Area B, which provides it with additional powers to respond to the wildfire situation.
The current Evacuation Orders and Alerts for the Boundary Lake and Red Creek areas with lists of affected properties and instructions for residents are below:
https://prrd.bc.ca/boundary-lake-evacuation-order-2
https://prrd.bc.ca/boundary-lake-evacuation-alert-2/
https://prrd.bc.ca/red-creek-evacuation-order-1/
https://prrd.bc.ca/red-creek-wildfire-evacuation-alert-1/
Residents impacted by evacuation orders or alerts can contact the PRRD at 1-800-670-7773 for planning and assistance with any transportation, mobility, health, livestock safety or other needs. Evacuees are urged to report to the Emergency Support Services reception centre at North Peace Arena in Fort St. John. The City of Fort St. John has secured available hotel rooms and campsites for those who may require temporary emergency accommodation.
A number of other wildfires are also ongoing in the region. PRRD residents are encouraged to monitor prrd.bc.ca and its Facebook page (facebook.com/OfficialPRRD) for information about evacuations and visit bcwildfire.ca for updates on wildfire response and status.
With unsettled weather conditions forecast for the next few days, further evacuation alerts and orders, additional road closures and other measures may be necessary as the situation evolves. No changes to the existing alerts and orders have been issued Sunday May 7th as of 3:00 pm.
Residents can also receive direct notifications about emergency situations through the North East BC Emergency & Public Alerts. To sign up visit prrd.bc.ca and click on Emergency & Public Alerts.
Meanwhile, the smoke from the local wildfires and nearby Alberta fires is negatively impacting air quality across the region. Environment Canada has issued an air quality alert for the area and residents should take appropriate measures to protect their health.
The wildfire situation is also impacting other regional services. The Boundary water station is currently closed due to the wildfires. The Prespatou and Buick Creek water stations are now open following a power outage. Further updates on these services will be provided as available.
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Media Contact:
Trish Morgan
EOC Information Officer
Ph: 250 784-3200
Email: EOC.Info1@prrd.bc.ca
