The evacuation order issued for the Barkerville area on July 21 was downgraded to an evacuation alert by the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Friday.
The evacuation order in the Bowron area issued on July 21 is also being downgraded to an evacuation alert.
Effective immediately, residents are allowed to return to the area.
More information about re-entering the area following an evacuation area can be found in the Guide to Re-Entry After an Evacuation. Please watch for livestock and wildlife on roads.
Wildfires remain active and firefighting activities continue in the area. It is important for residents to stay out of active wildfire areas. Interfering in an active fire area will result in crews ceasing ground and air operations potentially endangering nearby properties.
Prepare yourself emotionally for your return. Your neighbourhood and community may not look the same as it was prior to your evacuation. If you are impacted by a structure loss or significant property damage, we will attempt to contact you prior to your return; however, this may not always be possible.
Please watch for livestock and wildlife on roads, as fences may have been damaged.
For rural properties that have been impacted by wildfire, residents should be aware there may be dangers from damage to trees in wildfire-affected areas. Homeowners and private landowners are advised to work with their insurance agency to have an assessment done by a qualified arborist. Dangerous trees on Crown Land will be dealt with by the B.C. Wildfire Service danger tree fallers.
It is also important to note that air quality remains poor as a result of smoke from nearby fire activity. Those with respiratory issues, small children and the elderly should consider this before they choose to return to the area.
Residents returning to the area are encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders.
Since these areas remain on evacuation alert, residents must be prepared in case the area receives a future evacuation order on short notice. Local governments may not have time to go door-to-door should a new evacuation order be issued.
Residents under an evacuation alert should:
- Fill the fuel tank of personal vehicles before returning to the area.
- Bring a minimum of three days of food, water, and essential supplies (e.g. medications, pet supplies) with you as local grocery stores may not yet have adequate stock.
- Have a plan to transport all family members should the area be brought under evacuation order.
- Keep the fuel tanks of personal vehicles full in case a new order is issued.
- 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.
- Ensure that you have accommodation options for your family, if possible. A Reception Centre will be made available again if required.
- 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.
- Monitor reliable news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of Reception Centres and the CRD’s channels on Facebook and cariboord.ca.
- 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/
