Victoria: The province has issued evacuation orders for people living in the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, including Fort Nelson and Fort Nelson First Nation, due to wildfire.
The province said emergency support services are available to people who are under evacuation order
People requiring emergency support services (ESS), including accommodation, food and incidentals, can go to a reception centre in Fort St. John or Dawson Creek. Those with means to travel further are asked to go to the reception centre in Prince George.
According to the province, people are encouraged to create an ESS profile as soon as possible at: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/
“Having an ESS profile will speed up ESS registration at the reception centre. Service BC staff are mobilized on the ground to assist with providing supports to people as quickly as possible,” the B.C. government said.
People have been encouraged to stay with family or friends to ensure there is enough commercial accommodation in the area for people who don’t have the option.
For those with recreational vehicles (RV or campers), there are camping options available. “The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness is securing additional evacuee accommodation as commercial accommodation is in short supply in the area this weekend,” the province said in a statement.
People with homeowner’s or tenant’s insurance are encouraged to contact their provider as soon as possible. Insurance policies will likely cover costs associated with temporary living expenses while under an evacuation order.
The B.C. government said a disaster psychosocial support (DPS) team has been deployed to the region through Health Emergency Management BC.
DPS teams provide short-term psychological first aid to people affected by emergencies. Northern Health has evacuated and closed the Fort Nelson hospital and attached care home. Patients have been transferred to the Fort St. John hospital or Rotary Mannor long-term care home in Dawson Creek.
The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality is asking that people stay up to date with the latest information through the regional municipality’s Facebook page. Emergency information is also available here: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/
Highway 97 is closed in both directions just north of Fort Nelson.
The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality is asking people who need help with transportation to evacuate to call 250 775-0933.