An Evacuation Alert has been issued for the Alaska Highway corridor, west of Fort Nelson.
The Summit Lake Wildfire has grown to 2,125 hectares in size. It’s burning out of control on the north side of the highway, 10 kilometres northeast of Summit Lake
The Evacuation Alert was issued by the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM). The NRRM said the Alert was issued due to the behaviour of the fire, surrounding fire hazards, the remoteness of the location and assets in place.
The NRRM said the closure is in place to protect public safety and allow wildfire crews to operate effectively.
The Evacuation Alert for the following area as shown in the map below in yellow which is a polygon bounded by:
Along the Alaska Highway corridor from Summit Lake Campground within Stone Mountain Provincial Park to the Steamboat Mountain Brake Check.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
- Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Order be called while separated.
- Pack essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g. insurance, credit, and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependents and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.
- Prepare to move vulnerable persons, children and/or neighbours, if assistance is needed.
- Prepare to take pets with you and move livestock to a safe area (if possible).
- Arrange transportation for all your household members. Fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles.
- Arrange accommodation for all members of the residence, if possible. In the event of an evacuation, Reception Centres will be opened if required.
- Pre-register all household members on the provincial Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) Tool at ess.gov.bc.ca Persons who have a BC Services Card may be eligible to receive an E Transfer using the BC Services Card App.
- Wait for an Evacuation Order to be issued before evacuating. Monitor authentic news sources as well as NorthernRockies.ca/News for the location of Reception Centres and any additional instructions .
The Alaska Highway is closed between Steamboat and Toad River, 93 kilometres west of Fort Nelson. Mototists are being asked to please avoid travel in the area until further notice.
