Evacuees from northern parts of the Cariboo are being welcomed into an evacuation centre set up in Quesnel as wildfires in the region threaten properties.
An Emergency Service Centre (ESS) has been set up at the Quesnel and District Arts and Recreation Centre, 500 N. Star Rd., Quesnel B.C. for those who need it.
The District of Wells, the Barkerville, Bowron Lakes, to the east of Quesnel and remote parts of the region to the west of Quesnel as well, referred to as the Kuyakuz Lake area, have all been under evacuation order starting July 21.
An evacuation alert is also in place for the area of Tatelkuz Lake.
"I feel prepared," said Ed Coleman, mayor of the District of Wells, as he worked from the emergency operations centre in Quesnel on July 21.
Coleman said he believes residents were prepared and while the community had never been evacuated due to wildfire before, having been through the 2017 wildfire season in the region, people knew those who had been evacuated.
A smoke column from the Antler Creek Wildfire had been visible in the community throughout the day on July 21, so the community was following things closely.
Coleman said he has experience with wildfire in the past, but this was the first time he has led an evacuation of this kind, but he was calm and grateful as he spoke to simplymastery.
He said the Lhtako Dene First Nation has been "outstanding" in their support, as well as Minister Bowinn Ma, B.C.'s Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.
BC Wildfire Service has also been proactively working in the area of the evacuation order, said Coleman, with around 350 firefighters in the Wells, Barkerville area, plus air support, leading up to the order.
The Antler Creek Wildfire was discovered on July 20 at 4 p.m. and quickly grew due to high winds, high temperatures and dry conditions. The fire is currently estimated at 3,162 hectares. For the latest information on wildfires in the area, go to bcwilfire.ca.
For information on how to prepare in case of wildfire in your area, go to the Cariboo Regional District website or FireSmart BC.
