UPDATE: PRRD reduces evacuation area for Boundary Lake

Update Sunday May 7th 6:45pm: 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.

The district says some properties located in the Boundary Lake-Goodlow area, north of Cecil Lake Road and west of 213 Road, have been downgraded to an evacuation alert.

Properties west of the Alberta border to 213 Road remain under the evacuation order, according to the PRRD.

As of Sunday evening, there are no changes to the Red Creek evacuation orders or alerts.

PRRD chair Leonard Hiebert says that with wildfires, the situation can change quickly.

“The wildfire situation remains volatile, and it is critical to stay out of the evacuated areas to avoid putting lives at risk or disrupting the fire response.”

For the list of properties that are now under a Boundary Lake Evacuation Alert, visit
https://prrd.bc.ca/boundary-lake-evacuation-alert-3/

The PRRD is urging residents whose properties are on evacuation orders to leave the area as soon as possible.

PRRD chair Leonard Hiebert said Sunday afternoon that the Peace region is dealing with significant public safety threats due to local wildfires, which continue to burn out of control.

 “It’s important for all residents under evacuation order to leave immediately if they have not already done so. We have Emergency Social Services teams ready to assist you,” Hiebert said.

He added that individuals who remain in areas under evacuation orders must be over 19 and need to remain on their own properties.

The PRRD said it will be providing residents under evacuation alerts and in surrounding areas with updates. However, the district asks that residents take steps now so they are prepared to leave on short notice if necessary.

The district is also asking those who don’t reside near active wildfires to keep their distance from areas on evacuation orders, as extra traffic in these areas may hinder wildfire operations.

“This is impeding the response and putting their lives and the lives of firefighters at risk,” Hiebert said.

However, the PRRD says that “unsettled weather conditions” in the forecast for the next few days may lead to further evacuation alerts and orders, additional road closures and other measures being implemented.

The district says that at this time, the extent of damage caused by the Boundary Lake fire remains unclear.

“We have no confirmed how many structures or homes have been destroyed or consumed in this fire at this time. We are working with the agencies to get that information,” Hiebert stated.

The district also reported Sunday that the Boundary water station has re-opened after being closed due to the wildfires. Prespatou and Buick Creek water stations have also re-opened following a power outage.

There are currently three wildfires of note burning in the Peace region.

As of Sunday afternoon, the Boundary Lake fire, which originated in Alberta, remains out of control and has grown to 5,900 hectares since its discovery Friday afternoon.

According to the PRRD, this fire has been able to grow aggressively because of strong winds in the area.

The PRRD downgraded some areas affected by the Boundary Lake wildfire from an evacuation order to an alert Sunday evening.

Some properties in the Boundary Lake/Goodlow area, north of Cecil Lake Road and west of 213 Road, were downgraded to an Evacuation Alert. The district says those residents can return home. Properties west of the Alberta border to 213 Road remain under the order.

The evacuation order remains in effect for properties in the Boundary-Goodlow area within the following boundaries:

• on the East to the Alberta border
• on the South to the north-side of Moose Creek Avenue and to 1.2km north of the 240 Road.
• on the West to the east side of 213 Road to Moose Creek Ave, and to the east side of Clayhurst Road from Moose Creek Ave.
• on the North to the south side of Cecil Lake and 248 Roads to the end of the 248 road, and to 2.0km north of the Cecil Lake Road

Due to the evacuation order in Boundary Lake, School District 60 announced Sunday via Twitter that Clearview School will be closed on Monday.

Due to the Boundary Lake evacuation order, Clearview School will be closed on Monday, May 8, 2023. Further information will be posted on Monday about the following days of the week.

For up to date information on evacuation alerts and orders please see the PRRD web page. pic.twitter.com/VW5oNa7rtp

— School District 60 (@sd60) May 7, 2023

The Red Creek wildfire continues to be classified as out of control. As of Sunday afternoon, the fire’s size is estimated at about 2,800 hectares.

The regional district says 61 properties in the Red Creek area are currently under an evacuation order, with another 257 properties on alert.

The Coffee Creek wildfire is being held at 60 hectares and was discovered on Wednesday.

Parts of Red Creek Road, Cecil Lake Road, Clayhurst Road and Lower Cache Road are now closed due to the fires.

The PRRD has declared a State of Local Emergency for Electoral Area B, which reportedly provides the district with additional powers to respond to the wildfire situation. 

Doig River First Nation (DRFN) says it is not facing imminent dangers due to the Boundary Lake fire but is taking proactive measures, including operationalizing its Emergency Operations Centre and issuing an evacuation alert.

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.

“Members who require respiratory and mobility supports have been relocated to a clean-air hotel in Fort St. John, and our team continues to monitor their health and accessibility needs,” DRFN said in a release.

The nation says continued assistance will be provided to members until the fires subside.

Current evacuation orders and alerts for the Boundary Lake and Red Creek areas, with lists of affected properties and instructions for residents, can be found below: 

Evacuees are asked to report to the Emergency Support Services reception centre at North Peace Arena in Fort St. John. ESS teams have secured available hotel rooms and campsites for affected residents who may require temporary emergency accommodation.

Residents impacted by evacuation orders or alerts can call the PRRD at 1-800-670-7773 for planning and assistance with transportation, mobility, health, livestock safety or other needs. 

CLICK HERE