Doig River First Nation issues evacuation alert

DOIG RIVER, B.C. — Doig River First Nation (DRFN) issued an evacuation alert due to a wildfire in the region. 

The wildfire, which is labelled by the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) as in the Goodlow region, had burned 70 hectares as of a BCWS update at 8:30 a.m. on June 5th.

The service considers the fire ‘out of control,’ which means it is spreading or anticipated to spread beyond the current perimeter or control line.

People living in an area of the reserve must be ready to leave if necessary, according to a Facebook post from DRFN. It said the fire started around Osborn, and posted a map to indicate which properties are impacted by the notice.

The First Nation advised residents to pack a small to-go bag with face masks to help with the smoke; medicines; a change of clothes; important papers like ID and birth certificates; car keys; money or bank cards; a flashlight; a phone charger; snacks; water; and anything needed for children, Elders or pets.

DRFN wrote: “We are watching the fire closely. Our emergency team will give updates if anything changes.

“Please check in with the band office or health staff if you need help or have questions.

“Stay safe and take care of each other.”

This comes as wildfires rage in northeast B.C. and various evacuation alerts and orders have been issued due to significant blazes in the region, such as the fire near the Kiskatinaw River and near Summit Lake.

BCWS is expecting weather conditions from June 6th to 8th to exacerbate the wildfire situation, driving growth of blazes in the Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson fire zones.

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