Emergency supports available for Fort Nelson evacuees
Emergency support services are available to people who are under evacuation order within the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, including Fort Nelson and Fort Nelson First Nation due to wildfire.
People requiring emergency support services (ESS), including accommodation, food and incidentals, can go to a reception centre in Fort St. John or Dawson Creek. Those with means to travel further are asked to go to the reception centre in Prince George. Locations of the reception centres can be found in the evacuation order: https://www.northernrockies.ca/en/news/evacuation_order_-_nrrm_fnfn.aspx
The local ESS team is encouraging people to create an ESS profile as soon as possible at: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/
Having an ESS profile will speed up ESS registration at the reception centre. Service BC staff are mobilized on the ground to assist with providing supports to people as quickly as possible.
If possible, people are encouraged to stay with family or friends to ensure there is enough commercial accommodation in the area for people who don’t have the option. For those with recreational vehicles (RV or campers), there are camping options available. The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness is securing additional evacuee accommodation as commercial accommodation is in short supply in the area this weekend.
People with homeowner’s or tenant’s insurance are encouraged to contact their provider as soon as possible. Insurance policies will likely cover costs associated with temporary living expenses while under an evacuation order.
A disaster psychosocial support (DPS) team has been deployed to the region through Health Emergency Management BC. DPS teams provide short-term psychological first aid to people affected by emergencies. Northern Health has evacuated and closed the Fort Nelson hospital and attached care home. Patients have been transferred to the Fort St. John hospital or Rotary Mannor long-term care home in Dawson Creek.
The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality is asking that people stay up to date with the latest information through the regional municipality’s Facebook page. Emergency information is also available here: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/
Highway 97 remains is closed in both directions just north of Fort Nelson. For the latest updates, visit: https://www.drivebc.ca/
The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality is asking people who need help with transportation to evacuate to call 250 775-0933.
The official BC Wildfire Service mobile app is available for free download in the App Store and on Google Play. The BC Wildfire Service app provides up-to-date wildfire information on your mobile phone, helping you stay informed about wildfires and wildfire-related events and conditions across B.C.
Learn More:
Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Evacuation Order: https://www.northernrockies.ca/en/news/evacuation_order_-_nrrm_fnfn.aspx
Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NorthernRockiesRM
To create an online profile for ESS, visit: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/
For emergency information, visit: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/ (emergencyinfobc.ca)
For the latest wildfire information, visit: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca
For the latest updates on highways, visit: https://www.drivebc.ca/