By CKPGToday

Wildfire Battles Continue

Aug 6, 2018 | 9:13 AM

PRINCE GEORGE – With hot dry weather in the forecast, it continues to make things difficult on the wildfire front. 

An evacuation order was issued by the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako on Sunday. The order was a result of the Purvis Lake fire, which burns at 1,450 hectares. It includes Purvis Lake to Tchentlo Lake and the Tchentlo Forest Service Road (FSR), south of Nation Lakes Park to the intersection of the Leo Creek FSR and the Driftwood FSR. This order does not include the Driftwood Forest Service Road. The fire has, however, forced the closure of the Driftwood Forest Service Road from south of Nation Lakes Park to the intersection of the Leo Creek Forest Service Road. There are 36 firefighters, two helicopters and 11 pieces of heavy equipment to help control the fire. 

The Shovel Lake fire northwest of Fraser Lake has burned 54 hundred hectares. Wildfire officials say they have contained 20 percent of the blaze.  More than 100 firefighters and support crew are working on the fire along with 7 helicopters and 49 pieces of heavy equipment.  An evacuation alert and an area restriction order are associated with the blaze. 

Southwest of Prince George, the Chutanli Lake fire is at 870 hectares. It’s forced the closure for part of the Kluskus Forest Service Road. A detour on the Red Road is available for drivers to take. An evacuation alert remains in place for a pair of properties. There are 15 firefighters, two helicopters and five pieces of heavy equipment on scene. 

Both the Shovel Lake and Chutanli fires continue to produce heavy smoke; therefore, affecting air quality in the city according to Firesmoke.

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With the evacuation order in place for the Purvis Lake area, it’s important to remain calm, listen to local public officials, and get information updates on social media, such as the Emergency Info BC Twitter page or your local government website. Be sure to wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes, gather your family and go to a designated meeting place, grab your emergency kit, bring a cell phone, follow routes specified by emergency officials, stay away from downed power lines and close all doors, windows and gates, but do not lock them. Also, if you go to an evacuation centre, go to the registration desk and sign up, so you can be contacted by loved ones.