Evacuation ALERTS and ORDERS Explained

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Why am I on alert? What does an evacuation order really mean? When can I go home? Can I go back into an order zone before it is lifted?

These are some of the questions Cariboo residents are asking of information line phone operators at the Cariboo Regional District’s Emergency Operations Centre during the 2021 wildfire season.

With many active fires across the Cariboo, the situation can change rapidly. To help the public understand how and why their property may end up inside an alert or order area, before they face that possibility, here are some key facts about the process.

Why are Evacuation Orders and Alerts issued?

Safety of the public and responders is the number one priority when considering activation of an evacuation order or alert. Alerts and orders are issued only when necessary. Both the CRD and BC Wildfire Service recognize this can result in stress and inconvenience for residents, especially when they are asked to leave for an extended period.

“It’s never a good feeling to sign the paperwork for an alert or order,” notes Margo Wagner, Chair of the Cariboo Regional District. “And we know that ordering people out of their homes is stressful and unsettling for them. But ultimately, we must put life safety first and our decisions are made with that consideration as our top priority. My signature may be the official approval, but it is the input from a team of experienced specialists helping us to decide when we need to get people out of a danger zone.”

Who decides to put an area on alert or order?

• Evacuation alerts and orders are a result of wildfires and are based on recommendations from the BC Wildfire Service.
• Local governments make the decision to issue evacuation alerts and orders under the authority of the Emergency Program Act. 
• Other incident orders and alerts are based on information from relevant specialists.

How is the decision made to issue an order or alert?

• Local governments work with BC Wildfire Service to make decisions about evacuation alerts and orders.
• In making a recommendation for an evacuation and alert, BC Wildfire Service considers such factors as current and forecasted fire behaviour and weather, what direction the wildfire may go, the safety risk of the wildfire, and then provides recommendations based on these factors. The CRD will also consider safe exit routes and road conditions as part of the evaluation.

How can I find out whether my home is under evacuation order or alert?

• To see whether your home is under an evacuation alert or order, check with the CRD by going to www.cariboord.ca or by calling 1 866 759-4977.  The locations of evacuation orders and alerts are also available on the BC Wildfire Dashboard at www.bcwildfire.ca.

How can I get a permit to enter an evacuated area?

• People should not be in areas under Evacuation Order. Evacuation Orders remain in areas where the current and forecasted fire behaviour makes it unsafe to be in that location.
• The BC Wildfire Service does not have authority to grant access into evacuation order areas.
• If you want a permit to enter a CRD area please call the public phone line 1-866-759-4977.

When will my order be lifted?

• BC Wildfire Service will make a recommendation to the Cariboo Regional District to rescind an evacuation orders when the wildfire in question will not pose a risk to the area under order.

Why is it important to obey evacuation orders?

• If you’ve been placed under an Evacuation Order, you are advised to leave the area for your own safety and for the health and safety of firefighters.
• People who remain in an area that’s under an Evacuation Order may impede the ability of fire crews to fight a wildfire, because crews may be forced to stop fighting the fire to keep you out of harm’s way.
• People who decide to “wait and see” if they need to evacuate an area may find their escape route blocked by fallen trees or abandoned vehicles, and once familiar landmarks may be blanketed in thick smoke.

Help us keep you and your community safe by following Evacuation Orders. If you receive an Evacuation Order, do not hesitate to leave.

CRD Alerts and Orders web page

Current Order and Alert Statistics as of July 23, 2021 at Noon

Active orders - 3

Active alerts - 11