The Cariboo Regional District issued an evacuation alert for the Bull Canyon Park area west of Williams Lake.
A total of 13 parcels or 4,262 hectares west of the community of Alexis Creek are covered under the alert.
Residents are encouraged to prepare should the alert change to an order.
“Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation, however, you may received limited notice due to changing conditions,” noted the alert.
There are two fires in the area of Bull Canyon Park one is 900 ha as of Sunday, July 23 and located 2.8 km north of Chilko-Newton Road the other is 1,100 ha and west of Alexis Creek.
In its Sunday update, the Cariboo Fire Centre noted for the fire north of Chilko News Road air tankers blanketed the fire with retardant on Friday and placed additional fire retardant lines on Saturday. Heavy equipment was utilized to reinforce existing roads and guards.
Strong gusting winds pushed the wildfire northwest in the direction of Bull Canyon Park, prompting an Evacuation Alert. The fire is not encroaching on Highway 20 and with the drop in temperature and calmer winds, the fire is not threatening any infrastructure. Ground crews are actioning the wildfire with continued air support.
For the fire west of Alexis Creek the CFC noted Saturday the fire grew significantly, pushed east by gusting winds. Containment of the fire is a priority with a focus on the north west and south east flanks. A machine guard is being placed along the south east flank and existing structures. Structures in the vicinity of the fire are not threatened.
Several points are included in the alerts issued by the CRD such as:
Have a plan to transport all family members or co-workers outside of the area, should the area be brought under evacuation order.
Keep 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).
Ensure that any dependents or pets are prepared for departure.
Move pets and livestock to a safe area.
Ensure that you have accommodation options for your family, if possible. A Reception Centre will be made available if required.
In the event of an evacuation alert, do not turn off your natural gas. Visit FortisBC for information on being prepared in an emergency related to your natural gas connection.
Monitor reliable news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of Reception Centres, including CRD Facebook and website.
If you are on an evacuation ALERT, or if you have been displaced from your home due to an emergency, please self-register for Emergency Support Services. Self-Registration will reduce wait times for evacuees and assist in the referral process. https://ess.gov.bc.ca.
Further information will be issued as it becomes available. Please visit the CRD Emergency Operations Facebook as well as the CRD website at cariboord.ca/EOC. For more information contact the CRD’s emergency information line at 1-866-759-4977 (open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily).
Residents are encourage to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders.
The community of Anahim Lake is also on evecuation alert as of Friday, July 21.
READ MORE: Community of Anahim Lake put on evacuation alert due to growing wildfire
READ MORE: Bella Coola Hill Highway 20 remains closed with scheduled piloted convoys
monica.lamb-yorski@wltribune.com
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