The evacuation alert for a community about 35 kms southwest of Quesnel is now a full evacuation order. Residents are told to meet in Quesnel for further consultation and information.
The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) upgraded the danger level at 1:45 p.m. today (July 9). “You must leave the area immediately,” said the CRD order.
The fire, discovered on Saturday, July 8 at 1:17 p.m., has grown to an estimated 400 hectares as of Sunday at 4:30 p.m. and is now considered a fire of note.
It is located 2.5 km east of Margaret Lake.
The evacuation order statement said:
Pursuant to the B.C. Emergency Program Act, an Evacuation Order has been issued by Cariboo Regional District at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for eight parcels in the Townsend Creek area.
This order covers 3,487 hectares.
This order is replacing the Townsend Creek Alert issued on July 8, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
Due to immediate danger to life safety due to fire, members of the RCMP or other groups will be expediting this action.
The evacuation route is:
Head west on Mount Creek Road and turn north (right) on Lavington Road;
Continue to head north and continue onto Tibbles Road;
At the junction, turn east (right) on the Nazko Road / Blackwater Road / North Fraser Road;
Continue east until you reach Quesnel.
Evacuees can access Emergency Support Services (ESS) by calling 250-983-3638.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
You must leave the area immediately
Register at the ESS Centre listed above
Close all windows and doors
Do not shut off your natural gas if you receive an evacuation order. For more information visit www.fortisbc.com
Close gates (latch) but do not lock
Gather your family: take a neighbour or someone who needs help
Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, and keys) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
Do not use more vehicles than you have to.
Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.
If you are on an evacuation ALERT, or if you have been displaced from your home due to an emergency, please self-register for Emergency Support Services. Self-Registration will reduce wait times for evacuees and assist in the referral process. https://ess.gov.bc.ca
Further information will be issued as it becomes available.
Please visit the CRD Emergency Operations Facebook page at facebook.com/CRDEmergencyOperations as well as the CRD website at cariboord.ca/EOC.
For more information contact the CRD’s emergency information line at 1-866-759-4977. The Public Information Line will be open until 9 p.m. tonight (July 8) and again from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily.
Residents are encourage to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders. CLICK HERE to sign up for the latest information as it becomes available.
