Two Evacuation Orders and four alerts now in the Cariboo Regional District

An Evacuation alert has now been issued for residents in the Si Lake area, which is near Watch Lake Road.

The Si Lake fire, according to the BC Wildfire Service, is 27 hectares in size and is still listed as out of control.

Around 1,150 parcels of land have been impacted by wildfires in the South Cariboo to date.

Evacuation Orders have been issued for Deka Lake and flor Judson Road, which is just adjacent to the Deka Lake order.

Canim Lake, Sulphurous Lake and residents in the Big Stick Area are also on an Evacuation Alert.

Information for Residents on Alert or Order

Evacuees from both orders are being directed to an Emergency Support Services reception centre at Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School at this time. Residents in areas on alert should pre-register with the provincial emergency support services at: ess.gov.bc.ca.

Information for all Residents and Property Owners in the Cariboo

All residents and property owners, regardless of their current alert/order status, are encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders that impact their properties: cariboord.ca/CRDEmergsignup.

The public is also asked to stay away from active firefighting zones and staging areas, stay off any lakes being used by water bombers, and exercise extreme caution in the outdoors during this challenging time. In particular, the public is advised that a specialized heavy-lift helicopter capable of carrying 6284 liters (1,660 gallons) of water is being utilized to combat the wildfires and the propwash underneath this aircraft is very powerful and potentially dangerous. The CRD would also like to remind the public that it is prohibited to operate an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone near or over a wildfire. This is illegal and endangers personnel, and aircraft cannot operate when UAVs or drones fly through restricted airspace.

First responders are working hard across the region to protect life safety at this time. The Cariboo Regional District extends its thanks and gratitude to all those currently on the front lines or supporting crews in the field.

We know that there have been offers from the community to assist in firefighting efforts. While we appreciate the sentiment, we ask that this work be left to the crews assigned by the agencies responsible for managing our wildfire response. Effectively combating wildfires requires a coordinated and strategic approach. Crews working outside of that structure may be put in danger or draw resources away from more immediate priorities. We also remind the public to have any important documents, medications, and valuables on hand and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice. Please check out our emergency preparedness links for more information:  www.cariboord/beprepared.