The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) has declared a state of local emergency and issued an evacuation order for 29 parcels of land west of Quesnel near Kuyakuz Lake.
The CRD said they are aware of one occupied dwelling in the order area, which covers 92,335 hectares. See the interactive map of the area here: https://cariboo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=bcde372fd38841ee97d67e12f32f7fe5&wmode=transparent
They have also issued an evacuation alert for properties in the Tatelkuz Lake area, covering 33 parcels of land and 49,023 hectares. The CRD are not aware of any dwellings within the alert area.
The order and alert are in response to a complex of fires which originated within the Prince George Fire Centre area. There are currently six fires showing on the map near Tatelkuz Lake, the largest of which is estimated at 270 hectares in size.
"Today's weather conditions are going to be challenging," said Gerald Pinchbeck, information officer for the CRD emergency operations centre. He said low relative humidities, high temperatures and winds in the region will result in high fire activity.
Due to immediate threat to life and safety caused by wildfire activity, anyone in the Kuyakuz Lake area is ordered to evacuate.
The evacuation routes people are advised to take are to head east towards Quesnel via Nazko or east to Prince George via Vanderhoof.
Kuyakuz Lake is a remote area 194 km west of Quesnel.
Anyone remaining in the evacuation order area do so at their own risk, advises the CRD.
People in the area are being asked to:
Leave the area immediately.
Gather your family: take a neighbour or someone who needs help.
Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, and keys) only if they are immediately available.
Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
Close all windows and doors.
Do not shut off your natural gas.
Close gates (latch) but do not lock.
Do not use more vehicles to evacuate than you have to.
Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.
Register with Emergency Support Services (ESS) listed above or online through the Evacuee Registration and Assistance tool.
Residents are encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders. Go to https://www.cariboord.ca/en/emergency-and-protective-services/preparing-for-an-emergency.aspx for more information on how to prepare and sign up for alerts.
Evacuation order and alert information can be found on the Cariboo Regional District's website, Emergency Operations Centre Facebook page, X / X feed, or call the CRD’s emergency information line at 1-866-759-4977 (open 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily).
