Donations pour in for evacuees in Taylor

TAYLOR, B.C. — According to Emergency Social Services, 200 people from North Peace communities such as Baldonnel, Charlie Lake, Taylor and the surrounding areas were welcomed to the Taylor Community Centre last night.

Moira Clark with Emergency Social Services says they tried to alternate volunteers on shifts of eight hours or shorter, but didn’t stop accommodating people at all during the night.

“We stayed open all night,” said Moira Clark. “Our volunteers are very loyal volunteers. The two young men who were here all night, they didn’t want to go home.”

The centre is still accepting donations for evacuees.

In the face of dozens of forest fires in this area, Clark called the response of help by area residents ‘beautiful.’ Donations of food, water, clothing, and kennels have been given.

“It’s been unreal, it’s been beautiful,” she said.

https://twitter.com/montana_rc/status/722485147971375104

According to YRB traffic services, road crews are redirecting traffic at Swanson Lumber 259 Rd north of Taylor and at 230 Gagne Rd south of Taylor.

The highway, however, is not completely closed as Drive BC indicated.

It is open for Taylor residents to drive into town, but road crews are discouraging other drivers from driving into Taylor if it’s not absolutely necessary.