(UPDATE) Wildfires cause communication outage across Tumbler Ridge

Updated, May 2nd, 12.30 p.m.: This story was updated to include more information from the District of Tumbler Ridge.

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — Ongoing wildfires in the South Peace have led to a communications outage across the entirety of the District of Tumbler Ridge.

According to Telus’ outage map, phone, internet and cell phone services have gone down in the district due to an array of wildfires in the area damaging infrastructure.

This comes as firefighters are fighting five blazes – measuring 50, 20, eight, five and one hectares respectively – along Highway 52.

The District of Tumbler Ridge posted on Facebook on May 2nd to advise residents that although its email services are down, the town hall is open during regular hours and can be reached on its fax line at 250-242-3993.

The community centre is also reportedly reachable at 250-242-5669.

The Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark also confirmed the outage in a post to Facebook.

“Communications are down in all of Tumbler Ridge due to wildfires,” the post reads. “This includes cell and traditional internet services, so please take care and plan accordingly. Many businesses in town are cash-only.”

For residents of the district who need to make phone calls and use the internet, Starlink services are available at the Visitor Centre along with a landline phone. 

The Visitor Centre is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In a press release from the district’s RCMP detachment, police officers say the outage was caused when fires destroyed Tumbler Ridge’s fibre optic cable.

“Anyone in the area, or travelling through, who requires police assistance will need to physically attend the RCMP detachment to report any issues,” the release reads. “It is not known when the repairs will be made.”

The District of Tumbler Ridge confirmed emergency 911 services remain fully operational.

Energeticcity.ca will update this story with new information as it becomes available.