Out-of-Control Wildfire leads to evacuation alert for Swede Creek area northwest of Quesnel

An Evacuation Alert has been issued by the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) in the Swede Creek area because of an out-of-control wildfire.

The Swede Creek Wildfire is located around 120 kilometres northwest of Quesnel.

“The Swede Creek fire is currently measuring at 1,300 hectares, and it is displaying Rank 3 and 4 fire behaviour,” says Madison Dahl, Fire Information Officer at the Cariboo Fire Centre. “That’s a highly vigorous surface fire. We’re seeing crowning and some spotting. There are elevated temperatures in the area and extended dry conditions, which are causing the wildfire to grow and display this fire behaviour. [The fire] is growing towards the southwest.”

BCWS says it has 73 ground crew personnel on the fire. They are being supported with heavy equipment to establish water access and indirect guards along the fire’s perimeters. Crews are also being aided by aerial support. Dahl says more resources to combat the fire are coming. The wildfire was first discovered on June 1.

BCWS says the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The CRD’s Evacuation Alert covers 22 parcels, or around 17,894 hectares of land.

“Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible if an evacuation order is required; however, we may not have time to go door-to-door due to changing conditions,” the CRD’s statement reads.

The CRD says if residents in the area do receive an alert, they should be prepared for:

• Have a plan to transport all family members or co-workers outside of the area, should the area be brought under evacuation order.
• Make grab-and-go bags for each member of your household to keep essential items readily available for a quick departure. Pack clothing, ready-to-eat food, toiletries, 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. Gather comfort items (blankets, stuffed animals, etc.) for your dependents to make an evacuation less stressful. Gather any kennels or leashes to make transportation safe with your pets.
• Move pets and livestock to a safe area if they cannot be evacuated. Ensure water and feed are available.
• Keep the fuel tanks of personal vehicles full in case a new order is issued.
• Ensure that you have accommodation options for your family, if possible. An Evacuee Reception Centre will be made available if required. Homeowner or tenant insurance may provide greater support than ESS will be able to.
• In the event you are evacuated, do not shut off your natural gas. For more information, visit fortisbc.com/forestfires.
• 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. You will need to sign up for the BC Services Card app to access the self-registration tool, which will reduce wait times for evacuees and assist in the referral process. https://ess.gov.bc.ca/

The CRD also says to monitor and follow reliable news sources, such as My Cariboo Now.

Residents are also encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive calls, texts, or emails regarding updates on this evacuation alert and other evacuation alerts and orders from the CRD.

BCWS says the Swede Creek Wildfire is currently the largest fire in the Cariboo Fire Centre.