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

 

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