The Peace River Region District (PRRD) has issued an Evacuation Alert for a wildfire burning out of control near Highway 97, east of Chetwynd. The Sundance Lake Wildfire fire is burning 13 kilometres from the community.
The PRRD said that based on recommendations from BC Wildfire Service, an Evacuation Alert for the Sundance Lake Wildfire was issued due to the potential danger to life and health.
The following area is covered under the Alert:
- From the intersection of Highway 97S and Melnychuk Road,
- North for 4.8 km,
- Easterly for 7.5 km,
- South for 5.5 km to Highway 97S,
- Southwest along Highway 97S for 0.7 km,
- Continue southwest for 2.27 km,
- Continue West for 4.46 km,
- North for 0.3 km to the intersection of Highway 97S and Melnychuk Road
The fire was discovered on Wednesday night and has grown to 40 hectares in size. It’s thought to be human caused.
25 firefighters along with heavy machinery are on the ground with the help of helicopters in the air.
Those traveling along Highway 97 may continue to see smoke within the fire perimeter, however, smoke coming from green, unburned areas or outside the known perimeter should be reported immediately by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cellphone.
Motorists are being reminded to check DriveBC for highway closures
An Evacuation Alert has been issued to prepare you to evacuate your premises, or property should it be found necessary. Residents will be given as much notice as possible prior to evacuation; however, you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.
Now is the time to get prepared:
- Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Order be declared while separated.
- Sign up for North East BC Emergency notifications at NEBCAlerts.com to receive alerts about Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Alerts.
PRRD Alerts and Orders do not affect First Nations communities on Reserve Lands or municipalities as they issue their own.
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