NRRM issues evacuation order for Klua Lakes area

FORT NELSON, B.C. — The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) issued an evacuation order Wednesday evening for the Klua Lakes area due to the Donnie Creek wildfire.

The municipality said late Wednesday that the fire is about 35km from the community of Prophet River.

The evacuation order is in effect for the following areas due to immediate danger to life safety:

• Bounded on the south by the NRRM/PRRD boundary up to latitude 58 10.46’N on the north; 
• From the Sikanni River on the east side to longitude 122 11.44’W on the west side;
• This area also includes a portion of the Klua Lakes Protected Area.

Those located in the evacuation order area must leave immediately. Residents who need assistance with transportation should contact the Fort Nelson emergency operations centre at 250-774-2541.

The NRRM said those under evacuation order should take the following precautions:

• Close all windows and doors;
• Shut off all gas and electrical appliances other than refrigerators and freezers;
• Close gates (latch), but do not lock them;
• Gather your family/co-workers and ensure everyone is accounted for: take a neighbour or someone who needs help;
• Take critical items(medicine, purse, wallet, and keys) only if they are immediately available;
• Take pets in pet kennels or on leashes;
• Do not use more vehicles than you have to;
• Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency services.

The NRRM also issued an evacuation alert for areas located in the perimeter of the evacuation order area, which the municipality said is:

• Bounded on the south by the NRRM/PRRD boundary;
• On the north side following latitude 58 13.43’N;
• On the east side following the Sikanni River with a 10-kilometre wide strip running north/south;
• On the west following longitude 122 33.31’W;
• This area also includes the Klua Lakes Protected Area            

The NRRM said the alert was issued due to potential danger to life and health.

Those in the alert area should take the following precautions to prepare in case an order is issued for the area:

• Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area should an Evacuation Order be called while separated.

• Pack essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g. insurance, credit, and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependents and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.
• Prepare to move disabled persons, children and/or neighbours if assistance is needed.
• Prepare to take pets with you and move livestock to a safe area (if possible).
• Arrange transportation for all your household members. Fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles.
• Arrange accommodation for all members of the residence, if possible. In the event of an evacuation, Reception Centres will be opened if required.
• Wait for an Evacuation Order to be issued before evacuating. Monitor news sources for information on evacuation orders and the location of Reception Centres.

For more information, residents are asked to contact the NRRM at 250-774-2541.

As of Wednesday evening, the Donnie Creek wildfire was estimated at 43,270 hectares by the BC Wildfire Service and is classified as out of control.

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