Wildfires are gaining hold in northern British Columbia now, as two have joined forces to form the Beatton Airport Road fire.
The Peace River Regional District declared a state of emergency on Thursday night, with wildfire and interface fires threatening communities in the area. Because of imminent danger to property and people within the region, governing bodies are working to keep people safe.
The aggressive fire now covers about 10,000 hectares. An incident management team is co-ordinating the BC Wildfire Service's response to this incident and additional resources have been requested.
Currently, 106 firefighters, five helicopters and six pieces of heavy equipment are working on this wildfire, with the support of airtankers. Ground crews were working through the night to contain the blaze.
The state of emergency will be in effect until at least May 12, unless called off.
Highway 97 was closed on Thursday night 45 kilometres north of Fort St. John in both directions. Since, it has been reopened to piloted traffic in both directions from Mile 72 to Mile 81. Traffic control is in place.
The Beatton River Airport Road is closed because of a downed powerline.
Evacuation orders are currently in effect for Mile 80 of the Alaska Highway Area, at Stoddart Road, and the Shepherds Inn Area, as of 9:30 p.m.
Members of the RCMP and Wildfire Management Branch are guiding the evacuation. Everyone is urged to leave the area immediately.
There is also a revised evacuation alert for the Beatton Airport Road area. Because of the potential danger to life and health, the Peace River Regional District has issued an evacuation alert.
Other residents are asked to prepare for a potential evacuation, but will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation.
The City of Fort St. John activated their Emergency Social Services (ESS) Reception Centre as of 8 p.m. on May 5, to provide support to residents in the Peace River Region District who have been evacuated due to the fire activity in the area.
“We have been asked to open the doors of our ESS to support our neighbours in the Regional District and it will remain open until we are asked by the PRRD to stand down,” said Jim Rogers, Director of Protective Services for Fort St. John.
The ESS Reception Center is located at the North Peace Arena 9805 – 96th Avenue Fort St. John.
Evacuees are asked to register at the Centre to qualify for assistance.
Travelers who have been evacuated, but do not live in the area, are not eligible for assistance at the ESS Centre.
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