An evacuation order was issued on Aug. 17 at noon for the Eliguk Lake area by the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) as increased fire behaviour challenges firefighters.
Hot weather and strong winds resulted in increased fire activity across the province and in the Yukon, as fire season continues to stretch resources.
This latest order from the CRD emergency operations centre (EOC) applied to 11 parcels of land and covers 12,104 hectares in the west Chilcotin, however, the order to evacuate was replaced Aug. 21 with an alert, allowing residents to be in their homes on cautious stand-by.
Multiple wildfires in the area are being managed by an incident management team.
Four other downgrades were issued on Aug. 21 as well, two pertaining to Anahim Peak and two to Trumpeter Mountain. All four were the lifting of evacuation alerts. The oldest of them dated back to July 21.
Then, on Aug. 22, a fifth evacuation notice was issued by the CRD, this one the lifting of an evacuation alert dating back to July 17 for the Lhoosk’uz area.
These improvements are a relief to residents of those areas, but forest fires are still active in the region and the danger levels ever changing. The Gatcho Lake fire complex, which includes Eliguk Lake, was estimated at 4,389 ha in size, earlier in the week. Three evacuation alerts are in effect for that collection of fires.
During the last evacuation order near Eliguk Lake, one resort owner stayed behind to fight the fire as it threatened their business. The release states the evacuation route is to use available forest service roads in the Eliguk Lake area to drive towards the Dean River Road; turn southeast (left) on the Dean River Road; at the junction of the Dean River Road with Highway 20, turn east onto highway 20 and head to Williams Lake.
Evacuees can access Emergency Support Services (ESS) by self-registering using the Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) tool at https:// ess.gov.bc.ca/.
Evacuees can also call 250-267-1154 to register.
IF ORDERED TO EVACUATE: 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 or others in need
⦿ Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, and keys) only if they are immediately available.
⦿ Take pets in kennels or on leash.
⦿ Do not use more vehicles than needed.
⦿ Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.
Residents are strongly encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders.
READ MORE: West Chilcotin lodge owner continues to battle Gatcho Lake wildfire
The release states the evacuation route is to use available forest service roads in the Eliguk Lake area to drive towards the Dean River Road; turn southeast (left) on the Dean River Road; at the junction of the Dean River Road with Highway 20, turn east onto highway 20 and head to Williams Lake.
Evacuees can access Emergency Support Services (ESS) by self-registering using the Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) tool at https://ess.gov.bc.ca/. Evacuees can also call 250-267-1154 to register.
IF ORDERED TO EVACUATE:
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 or others in need
Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, and keys) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in kennels or on leash.
Do not use more vehicles than needed.
Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.
Residents are strongly encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders.
READ MORE: ‘Difficult days’: B.C. may be facing worst wildfire conditions of the summer
READ MORE: Immense wildfire smoke causes air quality advisory for B.C. Interior
Do you have a comment about this story? email:
ruth.lloyd@wltribune.com
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