UPDATE: Evacuation order and alert issued for Donnie Creek and Tommy Lakes areas

Update May 13th @ 5:45p.m: This story has been updated to include information about the evacuation alert issued by the Peace River Regional District for the Donnie Creek and Tommy Lakes areas.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C.— The Peace River Regional District has issued an evacuation order and an evacuation alert for the Donnie Creek and Tommy Lakes areas due to immediate danger to safety caused by a wildfire.

The order includes properties located:

• 89 km and north on the Tommy Lakes Road,
• Extending to the confluence of the Sikanni Chief River and the Buckinghorse River in the southeast,
• To the border with the Norther Rockies Regional Municipality in the north
• To the Gutah and West Gutah Creek in the east.

The district says this area is primarily used by forestry and oil and gas industry operations and says industry and other area users should shut down operations and evacuate the area immediately.

According to the PRRD, those in the area should take the following precautions before leaving the area:

• Shut off all gas and electrical appliances other than refrigerators and freezers.
• Close all windows and doors.
• Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, cell & charger and keys) only if they are immediately available.
• Take pets in pet kennels or on a leash.

Due to wildfire smoke in the area, the district recommends that those north of the 89 km mark on Tommy Lakes Road proceed south on Tommy Lakes Road to Highway 97 South and head to Fort St John.

An evacuation alert has also been issued for those in the following areas:

• km 77 and north to km 89 on Tommy Lakes Road,
• extending east to Wendy Lake,
• to the border with the Norther Rockies Regional Municipality in the North.

The PRRD says industry and other users in the alert area should be prepared to shut down operations and evacuate the area immediately.

The district recommends says those in the alert area should take the following precautions:

• Refer to your emergency operational plan and risk assessment for a wildfire evacuation.
• Locate all staff and contractors and ensure they are aware of your evacuation plan should an Evacuation Order be called.
• Sign up for North East BC Emergency notifications at NEBCAlerts.com.
• For camps and other accommodations, use the Evacuation Alert Checklist at https://prrd.bc.ca/evacuation-alert-checklist.
• Pack essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, cell phone & charger and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.

For more information on the evacuation order and alert, contact the PRRD at 250-784-4838 or click here

According to the BC Wildfire Service, the wildfire in Donnie Creek is estimated at 500 hectares and is classified as out of control.

CLICK HERE