Changes to orders and alerts in Tweedsmuir and Dean River areas

Courtesy of the Cariboo RD's Emergency Operations Centre:

Today, the Cariboo Regional District announced changes to alerts and orders in the Tweedsmuir Park and Dean River Valley areas, which are about 40 kilometres north of Anahim Lake.

Twenty-eight properties in the Tweedsmuir Park area evacuation order have been declared all clear and the remaining 25 properties in the order have been downgraded to an alert. The Dean River Valley evacuation alert has also been lifted, with those 56 properties now all clear.

The following map indicates the changes: https://bit.ly/2x8tsdM

Use the CRD’s online interactive map to see all the areas on evacuation alert and the wildfires in the area: https://bit.ly/2r9P2MQ (there may be a delay before the map is updated)

Following these changes, the CRD has four remaining evacuation alerts in place:

• Tweedsmuir Park Area Alert
• Shag Creek Area Alert
• Whitton Lake Area Alert
• Klinaklini Lake Area Alert

There are no remaining evacuation orders in the Cariboo Regional District.

Returning Home after Evacuation

Residents are returning to an area that has been affected by wildfire. Wildfires remain active and firefighting activities continue in the 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.

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.

Since some 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

Remaining on Evacuation Alert

For areas 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 main office at 250-392-3351 or 1-800-665-1636 during business hours.