Evacuation order and alert issued for the Stoddart Creek fire

UPDATE #2 – As of Sunday evening, the Stoddart Creek wildfire is estimated at 6,446 hectares. For the latest news on forest fires in our region, click here.

UPDATE May 14 at 6:30 p.m. – The evacuation alert has been expanded.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The Peace River Regional District has issued an evacuation order and an evacuation alert for the Stoddart Creek wildfire due to immediate danger to life safety.

The fire started Saturday afternoon near Mile 70 and quickly grew to the north-northeast and, as of Saturday night, is over 1,200 hectares. For the latest on the fire, click here. With the new evacuation order, the Peace River Regional District has created an online map to show what properties are being evacuated. You can view the map by clicking here.

The Evacuation Order is in effect for properties in the following area:

• North of 256 Rd, south of Blueberry River (272 Rd), east of Hwy 97 and Beatton Airport Rd, west of Prespatou Rd

Please note that the Blueberry community is not evacuated.

YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY!

If you need assistance to evacuate from the area, such as for transportation, mobility, health, or other needs, please advise the person providing this notice or call 1-800-670-7773.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

• Travel to Fort St. John by the safest route for your area. Visit Drive BC for road conditions.
• Register for Emergency Support Services (ESS)t:
  • at the Reception Centre located at North Peace Arena at 9805 – 96 Avenue, Fort St John, or
  • by calling ESS at 250 794-3310 , which is also available after hours.
• Shut off all gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers.
• Close and lock all windows and doors.
• Close gates (latch) but do not lock them.
• Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles than needed.
• Take critical items (identification, credit cards, medicine, cell, phone and charger, and keys) only if they are immediately available.
• Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.

Please visit prrd.bc.ca for updates on Evacuation Orders and Alerts, and visit bcwildfire.ca for updates on the wildfire status and firefighting response.

Evacuation Alert

The Peace River Regional District also issued an evacuation alert for an area near the Stoddart Creek fire. Residents in that area should be prepared to evacuate if needed.

Because of the potential danger to life and health, the Stoddart Creek Evacuation Alert is in effect for the following areas:

• East of Highway 97N,
• North of North Pine Road,
• West of the Beatton River,
• South of Buick Creek Road,
• South of Mile 73 Road,
• South-East of Aitken Creek Road.

An Evacuation Alert has been issued to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property should it be found necessary. Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.