Evacuation order downgraded to Evacuation ALERT for Houseman Road area

Courtesy of the Cariboo RD's Emergency Operations Centre:

 Effective immediately, the Cariboo Regional District has downgraded the evacuation order for the Houseman Road area to an evacuation alert, which means residents are allowed to return to the area.

 See a map of the affected areas: https://bit.ly/2vZAuB9

Use the CRD’s online interactive map to see all the areas on evacuation alert or order and the wildfires in the area: https://bit.ly/2tcpS1e (there may be a delay before the map is updated)

 Wildfires remain active and firefighting activities continue in the area. 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 these areas remain on evacuation alert, residents must be prepared in case the area receives a future evacuation order on short notice. Local governments may not have time to go door-to-door should a new evacuation order be issued. 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

 Routes Back into the Area

 The Canim-Hendrix Lake road remains open from 100 Mile House.  The Houseman Road is now open as well.

 Re-Entry Information

 Download the CRD’s re-entry information package here: https://bit.ly/2vBO7He

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 (8:30am – 10pm daily).