Fort Nelson evacuees grateful for Fort St John’s support

FORT ST. JOHN— Fort Nelson evacuees remained in good spirits at the North Peace Arena on Tuesday, expressing how helpful and accommodating Fort St. John has been for them.  

The Fort Nelson residents who were forced to evacuate over a week ago due to the Parker Lake Wildfire arrived at the arena to receive their seven-day renewal from Emergency Support Services (ESS).

Some evacuees told Energeticcity that they have received generous support from the city and local businesses who have donated resources, offered discounts, and more, reducing their stress and anxiety.

Anne Gordon, a 69-year-old Fort Nelson evacuee, said she has received amazing help from city services, police, and volunteers since arriving in Fort St. John.

“It is helpful beyond belief for [our] emotional health,” said Gordon.

Gordon shared another moment of kindness that occurred after she lost her new iPhone on the Old Alaska Highway during the evacuation.

“I left my cell phone on the hood of my SUV and drove off 20 miles down the road.”

Gordon was able to message her lost phone, which allowed an individual to recover it and return it to her with minimal damage. She also got a discount on a new phone case in Fort St. John.

“The people have been generous, caring, and understanding,” said Gloria Gerwin, another Fort Nelson evacuee. 

Ryan Harvey, the city’s communications manager, says many of the evacuees feel optimistic about the situation. He adds that they expect to be able to return to Fort Nelson soon after access permits were made available over the weekend, believing it to be a good sign. 

“It’s been a couple of weeks now, and they’re looking forward to going home,” said Harvey.

The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality continues to work on a plan for residents’ return to the town when the BC Wildfire Service says it’s safe to lift current evacuation orders.

Last week, ESS in Fort St. John adopted an online tool to modernize its emergency services program. The tool allows registered people to call the reception centre and renew their services remotely. 

“It’s a new process, and it’s certainly working,” said Harvey.

On a Fort Nelson Facebook group, one resident shared how they were able to receive meal support with ESS delivering resources to them after a phone call earlier in the morning. 

Harvey said they have been able to streamline the process with shorter lineups and ensure that people receive support.  

“It’s good to see people are receiving the support they need, and we can do it in a timely fashion,” said Harvey.

To register or renew their status with ESS, residents are instructed to call the ESS Reception Centre at 250-764-3310 and provide call takers with the necessary information.