Fort Nelson First Nation issues evacuation alert for Fontas area

FORT NELSON, B.C. — Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) has issued an evacuation alert for residents within the area of the Fontas River.

A notice issued by FNFN on the band’s Facebook page on Tuesday, June 3rd releases the details of where residents should be “ready at a moment’s notice” to leave.

“Due to the risk of wildfire, Fort Nelson First Nation is urging residents and visitors within the Fontas area to evacuate if ordered to do so by emergency officials,” reads the post.

The affected areas under the alert to evacuate include:

• The geographical location of the Peace River district, Fontas 1 (06591) Lot 2318, approximately 10 hectares within the Klua Lakes area.
• The latitude and longitude are 58° 17 ‘9.24 north and 121° 43’ 36.73 west.
• 76km southeast of the FNFN community.
• 61km northeast of the community of Prophet River.
• The right bank of the Fontas River, one mile east of the mouth of the Sikanni River.

The area is said to have “one inhabited home” and “cultural sites” within the area.

Residents are urged to locate all family members or co-workers and designate a safe meeting place in the event of an evacuation order; to gather essential items like medications, eyeglasses, insurance papers and immediate care needs for dependents to have “readily for a quick departure”; consider moving any disabled parties or children to a safe area; arranging transport in the event of an evacuation order; arranging accommodation; and moving pets or livestock to a safe area.

The alert also recommends “monitoring news outlets for information of reception centres and the status of evacuation orders.”

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