Changes to orders and alerts in northwest Cariboo RD areas

Courtesy of the Cariboo RD's Emergency Operations Centre:

he Cariboo Regional District announced changes to evacuation alerts and orders in the northwest Cariboo today. Some evacuation orders have been downgraded to alerts or all clear, meaning residents can return home in several areas, and some evacuation alerts have been lifted to all clear.

Evacuation orders remain in place for the following areas, impacting 467 properties:

• Tweedsmuir Park area 
• Shag Creek area 
• Chutanli Lake area 
• Bazaeko Blackwater area 

Evacuation alerts remain in place for the following areas, impacting 1,748 properties:

• Dean River Valley area 
• Tatelkuz Lake area 
• North of Batnuni Road area 
• Nazko area 
• Narcosli Creek area 

The areas that have evacuation orders lifted or downgraded to alert include, impacting 916 properties:

• Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park 
• North western CRD boundary to west of Nazko 
• Dean River Valley area 
• Electoral Area I boundary west to Michelle Bazaeko FSR area 
• North western CRD boundary to west of Nazko 

With many changes to orders and alerts, please view the following maps to see the revised order and alert areas:

• PDF Map: https://bit.ly/2POWmIA
• Online interactive map: https://bit.ly/2tcpS1e (there may be a delay before the map is updated) 

Wildfires remain active and firefighting activities continue in some areas. It is important for residents to stay out of active wildfire areas. Interfering in an active fire area will result in crews ceasing ground and air operations potentially endangering nearby properties.
 
Since areas remain on evacuation alert, residents must be prepared in case the area receives a future evacuation order on short notice. Information about what to do when on evacuation alert is listed below.
 
Residents returning to the area are encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders: member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612292#/signup
 
For rural properties that have been impacted by wildfire, residents should be aware there may be danger trees in wildfire affected areas. Home owners and private land owners are recommended to work with an insurance agency to have an assessment done by a qualified arborist on their private property.
 
Remaining on Evacuation Order

• You must remain out of the area. 
• Register with Emergency Support Services (ESS) 

Remaining on Evacuation Alert
Since the area remains on evacuation alert, residents should remain prepared for an evacuation by:

• Having a plan to transport all family members or co-workers outside the area, should the area be brought back under evacuation order.
• Keeping essential items readily available for a quick departure, including medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs, etc).
• Ensuring that any dependents are prepared for departure. 
• Ensuring that pets and livestock remain in a safe area. 
• Ensuring that you have accommodation options for your family, if possible. A Reception Centre will be made available again if required.
• Monitoring reliable news sources for evacuation order information. Further information will be issued as it becomes available.

For Cariboo Regional District information, please visit cariboord.ca/EOC or facebook.com/CRDEmergencyOperations or @CaribooRD or call the CRD’s emergency information line at 1-866-759-4977 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.