UPDATE: Tumbler Ridge downgrades evacuation order to alert

UPDATE: Information from PNG has been added to the article.

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — The District of Tumbler Ridge has rescinded its evacuation order issued on June 8th.

An evacuation alert remains in effect for the town and the surrounding area.

The evacuation alert will be in place indefinitely, according to the district, and residents are reminded to be ready to evacuate with little notice.

Highway 52 North (Heritage Highway) from Dawson Creek has reopened, and Highway 52 East is also open from Kelly Lake to Tumbler Ridge.

The Bear Hole Lake area restriction order in the vicinity of the South Peace Complex, which includes the Peavine Creek and West Kiskatinaw River wildfires, is still in effect.

Pacific Northern Gas (PNG) said it has crews ready to restore gas services to residents when they arrive home if they turned the gas valve off when they left. Residents can call PNG at 1-800-667-2297 to request a relight.

The company is also advising that if anyone should smell gas, which smells like rotten gas, or hears gas hissing to go outside and call the 24/7 emergency number at 1-800-663-1173.

For the latest information on evacuation orders and alerts, visit the Peace River Regional District’s and Tumbler Ridge’s websites.

BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) would like to remind residents and highway users crews are still working along Highway 52, and there is signage in place to slow down in areas.

For the latest wildfire information, visit BCWS’ website.