The City of Prince George is preparing to take in more wildfire evacuees, a statement issued on Tuesday said.
As of Monday afternoon, 125 evacuees had registered at the city’s emergency reception centre located at the Kin 1 arena.
“There are currently more than 1,000 northern BC households on Evacuation Alert spanning dozens of alert areas that could be sent to Prince George if the Alert becomes an Evacuation Order,” the city statement said. “ Emergency Support Services in the west have reached capacity, so evacuees from these communities are being directed to Prince George.”
Currently no active fires are threatening Prince George, but 377 wildfires are burning in B.C.
More signs are being added in the city along highways and routes to the emergency reception centre, and city staff are preparing for increased numbers of evacuees arriving in the city.
“Our current wildfire season is not going anywhere,” city director of public safety Adam Davey said. “The province has asked us to prepare to remain activated for the next few months, therefore, we have built a sustainment model that will allow us to concurrently manage daily City operations while responding to potential evacuee surge times.”
The city has had active wildfire evacuee responses four times since May, and the provincial government has asked the city to be prepared to remain activated until September.
“The Province of BC has coordinated with the Red Cross to operate a group lodging should one become necessary. The BC SPCA is also preparing to operate a facility for pet care at Duchess Park,” the city statement said. “The Emergency Reception Centre does not need volunteers or donations at this time. Those wishing to volunteer should contact the Red Cross.”
