Urgent Evacuations Ordered for Cariboo Wildfires – Act Now!

URGENT UPDATE: Evacuation orders are now in effect for multiple wildfires in the Cariboo region, as officials from the Ulkatcho First Nation and the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) announce immediate action. Residents in affected areas are being urged to leave immediately due to life-threatening conditions posed by the fires.

As of September 5, evacuation orders have been issued for the Dusty Lake wildfire, impacting 380 parcels across an area of 75,686 hectares. This urgent order is backed by the CRD, which emphasizes the severe risks involved: “Due to immediate danger to life safety due to fire, members of the RCMP or other groups will be expediting this action. You must leave the area immediately,” the CRD stated.

Another evacuation order has been activated in the Charlotte Lake area, affecting 125 parcels over a span of 32,276 hectares. Additionally, the CRD has issued an order for the Beef Trail Creek Fire, impacting 309 parcels across 53,575 hectares.

Residents are instructed to proceed to Highway 20 and head east towards Williams Lake. An Emergency Service Centre is established at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, located at 525 Proctor Street, Williams Lake, where evacuees can find assistance.

The current size of the Dusty Lake wildfire is estimated at 4,494 hectares, while the Beef Trail Creek Fire spans approximately 9,325.8 hectares. Residents are reminded that failure to comply with the evacuation orders puts their safety at risk, and responders may not be able to assist those who remain.

To stay updated, residents are encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive real-time alerts via text, call, or email regarding evacuation orders. For further information, visit the Cariboo Regional District’s official website, follow their Emergency Operations Centre on Facebook and Twitter/X, or call the CRD’s emergency information line at 1-866-759-4977, available from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

Stay informed and act quickly to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones.