UPDATE: Evacuation order for Fort Nelson to be rescinded

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and Fort Nelson First Nations have announced that the evacuation order for the region is being rescinded as of May 27th at 8 a.m.

An evacuation alert will remain in effect so that residents are prepared in case they have to evacuate again. The region has been deemed safe for residents’ return, however several fires remain active in the region. 

Utilities have been restored, and residents who have issues are encouraged to contact BC Hydro or FORTIS for assistance. Residents are also encouraged to run their taps until the water is clear, as while it is safe to drink the water has been standing in pipes and may be cloudy or stale.

In a press release on May 26th, Northern Health announced that Fort Nelson General Hospital will resume emergency department services starting May 27th. 

Additional services will be opened over the next several weeks, and patients requiring hospital admission will continue to be temporarily transferred to other hospitals in northeast BC. 

Red Cross has provided cleaning kits for residents, which will be available on May 27th at the Recreation Centre Community Hall from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Other services and resources, including general resources, counselling and insurance representatives, will also be available at the hall from May 28th to May 30th. 

Returning residents are encouraged to stock up on supplies such as fuel, food and other essentials, as these items may be in short supply during the regional repopulation.

Fuel vouchers will be available based on need at Evacuation Reception Centres in Fort St. John and Dawson Creek starting May 27th at 10 a.m. and 8 a.m. in Chetwynd.

Traffic is expected to be heavy towards Fort Nelson, and drivers are encouraged to drive safely and obey traffic laws. RCMP will be present throughout the route to Fort Nelson.  

Upon lifting the evacuation order, Highway 97 will be cleared of all outstanding travel restrictions, but Highway 77 will remain closed. 

Smoke from ongoing wildfire activity across the Fort Nelson area will be present as residents return, and the municipality encourages residents to stay indoors when possible, stay hydrated and keep windows closed. 

A Community Town Hall meeting has been scheduled for June 6th, for residents to provide feedback on the evacuation and share their experiences.