UPDATED: Evacuation order issued in Doig River First Nation

UPDATE (as of 9:30 p.m. May 13th) – Story has been updated to include new information about the fire. The Peace River Regional District has also issued an evacuation order and two alerts due to this fire. You can see the order and alerts by clicking here.

ROSE PRAIRIE, B.C. — Doig River First Nation (DRFN) has issued an evacuation order for its reserve effective immediately due to the 50-hectare wildfire west of the area.

A statement from the DRFN band manager Shona Nelson reads that the wildfire, first reported on May 12th, causes an “imminent threat to people and property,”  and residents should evacuate immediately.

The map for the evacuation order is as follows:

The statement says residents should do the following before leaving:

• Shut off all gas and electrical appliances other than refrigerators and freezers.
• Close off all windows and doors.
• Close gate latches (but do not lock)
• Gather family members and if there is room, take a neigbour or someone requiring transportation. Do not use more vehicles than required.
• Take critical items, such as purses, wallets, medicine, and keys only if they are immediately available. 
• Take pets in kennels or on a leash.
• Do not use the telephone unless you require immediate assistance.
• Residents who require immediate assistance should contact (778) 715-9725.

Residents should proceed to the Emergency Services Centre located at North Peace Arena in Fort St. John at 9805 96th Avenue.

As of 7 p.m. Monday, the fire has grown to over 250 hectares. The Doig River First Nation said the wind helped to push fire growth to the north and eastern flanks of the fire. Due to this growth, the Peace River Regional District issued an evacuation order and two alerts. You can read more about those by clicking here.

Energeticcity.ca will provide more information on this story as it becomes available.