NRRM pleads for last Fort Nelson residents to evacuate amid increased wildfire risk

FORT NELSON, B.C. — The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) has put out a warning, saying there’s a serious chance wildfires near Fort Nelson will grow significantly over the next 48 hours.

“The potential risks posed by the wildfires in and around Fort Nelson have escalated to a greater level and the incoming weather system is bringing strong winds from the west which has the real potential to significantly increase the size of the fires over the next 48 hours,” the warning reads.

“We understand that the decision to evacuate is disruptive and unsettling, but tomorrow, May 12, 2024, at noon, will be the last opportunity for residents to receive evacuation assistance as the Emergency Operations Centre is relocating south out of the community and our ability to communicate with residents will be disrupted.”

The warning says the decision to evacuate wasn’t made lightly, and was based on expert advice and careful assessment, with the safety of residents in mind.

It says there will be two buses staged at the Woodlands Inn to help residents evacuate, and that residents who need help with transportation or other logistics like fuel should call the Emergency Operations Centre at 250-775-0933.

“At this time, all residents who are currently remaining within the community are strongly urged to reconsider and evacuate immediately,” the warning reads. “You are our friends, family and neighbors, please stay safe.” 

Right now, there are three wildfires impacting residents of the NRRM and Fort Nelson First Nation.

The Parker Lake wildfire, discovered on Friday, May 10th, has since grown to 1,696 hectares. 

Friday night, the municipality and First Nation issued an evacuation order for Fort Nelson as a result of the fire.

In an interview Saturday morning, NRRM Mayor Rob Fraser said nearly all residents had been safely evacuated and were on their way to communities like Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Prince George and Chetwynd.

Meanwhile, two other out-of-control wildfires near Nogah Creek and Patry Creek have led to evacuation alerts being ordered by the NRRM and Fort Nelson First Nation.

The three fires have led to Highway 77 being closed, and Highway 97 being closed north of Fort Nelson, since Friday, according to DriveBC.

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