Prince George ready for wildfires

One trailer is again set aside as a cultural activity space. Indigenous communities can use it as they need, whether as a base for their emergency operations centre, a meeting place for Chief and Council, or a spot for community gatherings.

This year, there is also a tent area so evacuees can wait outside rather than in small indoor spaces. Spooner said this change was made after seeing how people used the site before. “The last couple of years, we’ve really seen evacuees liking to be outside when they’re waiting,” she said. It is staffed by 24 representatives from emergency support services. Partner organizations, including the First Nations Health Authority, Health Emergency Management BC, the Salvation Army, and the Red Cross, may also join on-site, depending on the scale of the event.

Prince George has welcomed evacuees every summer since 2017, when about 10,000 people arrived during a major wildfire. Spooner said such large numbers are rare, but the city has seen regular evacuations from nearby communities each year since then.

The city is also asking residents in at-risk areas to register early using the province’s Evacuee Registration Assistance Tool (ERA), which is available online through the Service BC app. Pre-registering means families will not have to give basic information when they arrive, making check-in at the centre faster.

Spooner said some areas of the province are still facing serious drought as the season begins. “We are ready for it,” she said.

by Dave Branco

Prince George ready for wildfires

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