Northern Rockies Regional Municipality issues full Evacuation Order of Fort Nelson

Update (10:35 a.m., May 11th): The blaze has grown further to 1,696 hectares. To view our latest story, click here.

FORT NELSON, B.C. — The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) has issued a full Evacuation Order of Fort Nelson, due to a wildfire reported Friday afternoon.

The wildfire, located west of the town, poses an immediate threat to life, health and property, according to a release issued at 6:57 p.m. on May 10th.

The fire is located 12 kilometres southeast of the Highway 77 junction. It is currently listed as 400 hectares and is ‘out of control,’ according to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).

Both Highway 77 and Highway 97, north of Fort Nelson, are closed. Check DriveBC for updates.

Residents are to evacuate the area immediately and begin driving south towards Fort St. John and assemble at the North Peace Arena, located at 9805 96th Avenue in Fort St. John, at the reception centre.

NOTICE: Landlines in the NRRM have been impacted and 10-digit dialling is no longer available. Please call 250-775-0933 for public information, and if you are experiencing an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

— NRRM (@NorthernRockies) May 11, 2024

If you have a recreational vehicle, or your own vehicle, fuel stations are being planned along the route south. If you know of and have the ability to take additional passengers who may need assistance or transportation, please consider doing so.

If you know of and have the ability to take additional passengers who may need assistance or transportation, please consider doing so.

According to MLA Dan Davies, patients at the Fort Nelson Hospital are being evacuated to Fort St. John or Dawson Creek, depending on their needs. They will be taken by ambulance or air ambulance.

As of 8:55 p.m. Friday, the fire is estimated to be over 800 hectares and has been exhibiting extreme fire behaviour. Weather conditions in the area are making it hard to fight the fire. The B.C. Wildfire Service has nine helicopters and airtankers fighting the fire with help from the Northern Rockies Municipal Fire Department.

The NRRM says evacuees should do the following:

• Please proceed immediately to Alaska Highway (Hwy 97) and head south.
• If you need assistance with transportation from the area, call 250-774-6121
• Close and lock all windows and doors. Shut off gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers.
• Gather your family. Take pets in pet kennels or on a leash.
• Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, keys and grab-and-go bag) only if they are immediately available. 
• Do not use more vehicles than needed. If time permits, check with neighbours and assist those with special needs. 
• Assist your local Emergency Support Services Team by self-registering now on the Evacuee Registration and Assistance website at www.ess.gov.bc.ca.

Energeticcity.ca will update this story as more information becomes available.