UPDATE: Evacuation order expanded for residents in Goodlow/Boundary Lake area

(May 7th) UPDATE: As of Sunday evening, the Peace River Regional District has reduced the area that is under evacuation order due to the Boundary Lake wildfire for properties in the Boundary-Goodlow area, allowing some residents to return to their homes. Learn more here.

Click here for the most recent Peace region forest fire updates.

(6:30 p.m.) UPDATE: The Peace River Regional District says the evacuation orders and alerts for the Boundary Lake and Red Creek wildfires remain in effect. No changes are expected this evening. The Emergency Support Services Reception Centre is now closed. To reach ESS after-hours call 250 794-3310. B.C. Wildfire crews focused suppression efforts on the southwest and south flanks Saturday of the Boundary Lake fire. The western edge and northern flank held within containment lines under Saturday’s conditions. Aviation resources focused on protecting structures immediately impacted by the fire. 

(4:40 p.m. May 6) UPDATE #2: Doig River First Nation has issued an evacuation alert due to the 1,900-hectare Boundry Lake fire near the community. More information on the alert has been added to the story.

UPDATE: This story has been updated as of 6 a.m. May 6, 2023, with information about an expanded evacuation order and alert.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The Peace River Regional District has expanded the evacuation order and evacuation alert for the Goodlow and Boundary Lake areas.

The evacuation order and alert has been issued due to the Boundary Lake forest fire. The fire started in Alberta and has grown to over 1,900 hectares. The fire has crossed into B.C. The fire exhibited extreme fire behaviour on Friday, and officials believe it was human-caused.

Two helicopters are on the scene supporting structure protection operations. Highway 64 into Alberta is closed due to the fire. The area is being impacted by heavy smoke, and visibility is poor. Aviation resources are currently being challenged by poor visibility.

Members of the RCMP and other applicable agencies will be helping with the evacuation order. Click here to download a map of the area under the evacuation order.

On top of the evacuation order, the District has also issued an evacuation alert for properties in the Boundry/Goodlow area 18km west of the Alberta border and 19.5km north of Goodlow until 13km south of Goodlow. Click here to download a list of properties affected by the evacuation alert. Residents under the evacuation alert should be ready to evacuate immediately if an order is issued.

At around 4 p.m. on Saturday, Doig River First Nation issued an evacuation alert due to the 1,900-hectare Boundry Lake fire near the community.

Due to concerns surrounding the fire’s growth, the DRFN Emergency Operations Centre has issued the alert so residents can prepare in case an evacuation order is issued. Community members are advised to create go-to bags with essential items.

The evacuation order covers the following areas:

• on the East to the Alberta border
• on the South to the south-side of Imperial Avenue
• on the West to the West side of 223 Road
• on the North to the North side of 256 Road.

A list of properties affected by the order can be found below.

Due to smoke and fire in the area, it is recommended to evacuate west using the Cecil Lake Road.

Proceed to the Emergency Support Services reception centre at North Peace Arena – 9805 96 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC. If the reception center is closed when you arrive please call (250) 794-3310. The Reception Centre will also be open on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and then again on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Please visit prrd.bc.ca and B.C. Wildfire Services regularly for current information.

If you need transportation assistance from the area, advise the person providing this notice or call 1-800-670-7773.

PRRD residents are encouraged to monitor prrd.bc.ca and bcwildfire.ca for further updates regarding active wildfires in the region. Residents impacted by Evacuation orders or alerts can contact the PRRD at 1-800-670-7773 for planning and assistance with any transportation, mobility, health, or other needs.

This evacuation order applies to the following civic addresses (updated May 6, 2023):

CLICK HERE