By Spencer Hall
UPDATE: As of 4:30 p.m. on May 15th, the evacuation alert has been rescinded. Residents can visit www.rdffg.bc.ca or call the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George Emergency Operations Centre at 1-250-960-4400 for assistance.
The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George has issued an evacuation alert and activated its Emergency Operations Centre due to the active wildfire located 40km northwest of McBride on Prospect Road, which has grown to 150 hectares since its discovery on Friday afternoon.
The evacuation alert is in effect for the area shown on the map below.
The RDFFG says those under the evacuation alert should be ready to leave their homes at a moments notice, in case the alert is upgraded to an evacuation order.
The District says those under the alert should take the following precautions:
- Prepare to leave the area on short notice
- Assemble a 72-hour personal emergency kit for you and others in your household, including any necessary medications
- Gather important papers and move valuables to alternate locations
- Begin making arrangements to relocate livestock or hobby farm animals to a safe location in the event that an evacuation order is issued
“Conditions may unexpectedly change and make it necessary for the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George to require immediate evacuation to ensure the personal safety of our residents and front line responders,” the District said.
The fire is classified as an interface fire, which according to the BCWS, refers to fires that “have the potential to involve buildings and forest fuel or vegetation simultaneously.”
“The next 24 hour period is critical in the ongoing assessment and planning for wildland interface fire response,” the RDFFG said.
The District is asking the public to visit its website for updated information or call its Emergency Operations Centre for assistance at 1-250-960-4400 or 1-800-667-1959.
Click here for more information on the Prospect Road wildfire.
