FORT ST. JOHN -- The Peace River Regional District and Blueberry River First Nations has issued an Evacuation Order and Alert for the Stoddart Creek wildfire due to recommendations from B.C. Wildfire.

The Evacuation Order is for:

  • The southern boundary of Blueberry River First Nations reserve lands and the Blueberry River east to the bridge on the Prespatou Road
  • South along Prespatou Road to a point 3.2 km north of 264 Road
  • Due west to a point 3.2 km east of the Beatton Airport Road
  • Due north to a point of intersection with the Blueberry River

And includes the following addresses:

  • 13408 272 Rd
  • 17483 Prespatou Rd
  • 13368 272 Rd
  • 17903 Prespatou Rd
  • 13646 272 Rd
  • 13769 272 Rd
  • 12953 272 Rd
  • 17493 279 Rd
  • 12881 272 Rd
  • 18354 277 Rd
  • 13469 272 Rd
  • 17773 Prespatou Rd
  • 18183 Prespatou Rd
  • 18352 277 Rd
  • 17795 Prespatou Rd
  • 17777 Prespatou Rd

The Blueberry River First Nations has also issued an Evacuation Order due to two active wildfires. The Emergency Operations Centre is launching a Level 1 Alert, with an Order for Elders and Members with chronic illness to leave the community. They must register at the North Peace Arena.

The community is saying to use Buick Creek Road to Prespatou to Fort St. John. For those in need of a vehicle, call Alan Apsassin. 

There is also an Evacuation Alert for the Stoddart Creek wildfire for:

  • The area from the intersection of the Blueberry River and Prespatou Road, known as the Apsasson Bridge,
  • East, following the Blueberry River to a point north of Bergen Road,
  • South following Bergen Road and Rose Prairie Road to the intersection of 266 Road, and
  • Due west to the point of intersection with Prespatou Road, and north following Prespatou Road to Apsasson Bridge.

The Order and Alert are not for other First Nations communities or municipalities as they issue their own Orders and Alerts. This also does not apply to the City of Fort St. John. 

Emergency Support Services are available at the reception centre at North Peace Arena, located at 9805 96 Ave. It is open today from 9:30 am to 12 noon or call 250-794-3310.

The Stoddart Creek wildfire is currently burning out of control at 29,222 Hectares in size. The B.C. Wildfire Service is using a full response to suppress and control the fire until it is deemed "out".