Wildfire Evacuee Number Nears 3,000 In PG

PRINCE GEORGE – The number of evacuees registered in Prince George has now grown to just under 3,000. The City hasn’t had to resort to group lodging, as most evacuees have been put up in hotels or are staying with friends and family in Prince George. There are some who have chosen to stay in Quesnel, Williams Lake, and other nearby communities. As massive blazes in the Northwest Fire Zone continue to burn this week, more evacuees could be making their way to the city, which means it will be all hands on deck at the reception centre. 

Going into the weekend, there will be free admission to the Aquatic Centre, Four Seasons Leisure Pool, The Exploration Place, Northern Sport Centre at UNBC and the YMCA of Northern BC. The Prince George Native Friendship Centre will be offering free childcare services for families with children aged 2-6, plus a Family Movie Day next Wednesday. Evacuees will have free access to transit in the city, by showing their wristbands in order to get to these activities. 

Starting on Monday, the Reception Centre’s hours will be reduced. Its hours will be from 9 am until 4:30 pm. For the second year in a row, Prince George is accommodating more wildfire evacuees than any other community in B.C. 

For more information, visit the City’s wildfire evacuation webpage.