Local emergency services had 24 volunteers help during recent wildfires

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Emergency Support Services (ESS) in Fort St. John had 24 volunteers helping residents who were forced to evacuate over the past few weeks due to wildfires in the region.

Over the last three weeks, areas within close proximity of the Red Creek, Stoddart Creek, and Boundary Lake wildfires were issued evacuation orders due to immediate danger to life safety. Residents were asked to register at the ESS centre in Fort St. John and were provided with food vouchers and lodging during evacuation.

As of closing on Tuesday, May 23rd, the ESS in Fort St. John had approximately 1,330 people registered.

According to Ryan Harvey, communications manager for the City of Fort St. John, volunteers mainly helped out with tasks in the reception centre.

“At the reception centre, the two most common pieces are registration, which is making sure we have a file on everybody who is evacuated, where they’re from, where they’re staying,” said Harvey. “The second piece is referrals, which is all of the services they’re provided.”

Harvey explained lodging and food are the most common services provided.

“Registration and referrals typically take up the majority of people in the reception centre.”

Harvey says the ESS can always use the additional volunteers from volunteers when active.

“If people are interested, they can fill out a form on our website, and we will be in touch,” said Harvey.

Volunteer forms can be found on the City’s website under “Emergency Support Services.”