Map courtesy District of Wells

By Marty Hastings

Wildfires

District of Wells issues evacuation order due to Antler Creek wildfire

Jul 21, 2024 | 2:04 PM

WELLS — Update: 3 p.m. July 21: The District of Wells has issued an evacuation order due to the Antler Creek wildfire.

The District calls the wildfire “a threat to life and safe” adding residents must evacuate now.

Map courtesy District of Wells

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

• Follow the evacuation route provided.

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• If you need transportation assistance from the area, advise the person providing this notice or call 250-991-1155.

• If you have homeowners’ or tenants’ insurance, contact your insurance provider to arrange for living expenses such as accommodation and food.

• Do not turn off your natural gas. FortisBC will turn off natural gas service as needed. • Close all windows and doors.

• Close gates (latch) but do not lock. • Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbor or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles than you must to help reduce traffic congestion.

• Take critical items (e.g., medicine, wallet, insurance policy number/contact) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.

• If possible, do not make calls on your phone unless you need emergency service to help reduce network congestion.

• Follow the guidance of public officers, officials, or agencies.

Evacuees are asked to go to Quesnel or Prince George:

ESS Centres: 1. Quesnel & District Arts and Recreation Centre—Emergency Support Services, 500 North Star Road, Quesnel, BC

2. Prince George Emergency Support Centre—CN Centre 2187 Ospika Boulevard, Prince George, BC (at the back of the CN Centre, which can be accessed off of 18th Avenue)

Earlier: The district of Wells issued an evacuation alert on Sunday (July 21) afternoon due to the Antler Creek wildfire, a blaze that has experienced notable growth since Saturday (July 20).

As of Sunday afternoon, the fire is listed at 1,200 hectares on the BC Wildfire Service website, up from 170 hectares on Sunday morning.

The evacuation alert is issued to allow residents to prepare to evacuate should an evacuation order be made, according to a media release issued by the district of Wells.

Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible before evacuation is ordered, but may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.

The fire has also sparked an evacuation alert in the Barkerville area.