Emergency preparedness notes and emergency alert results, mark midway point of Emergency Preparedness week

MLA Jennifer Rice delivered an update on preparation notes for
British Columbia residents during Emergency Preparedness Week

On Wednesday, North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice, in her role as Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness provided an update on the current flood situation in parts of the province, as well as a note of concern for the potential of another challenging wildfire season.

Speaking in the Legislature the MLA highlighted the need for British Columbians to be prepared for emergencies in their community and to prepare an emergency kit to provide them with the essentials until help arrives and conditions in their hometowns return to a semblance of normalcy.

Part of that approach to being prepared comes by way of those emergency kits and as we noted on the blog on Monday, the province has partnered with some retail giants in BC to make such preparation as easy as possible.

With the province observing Emergency Preparedness this week, Ms. Rice also noted the three key elements towards preparation:

Learning the Risks
Developing a Plan
Preparing a Kit




As part of her comments for the Legislature, the North Coast MLA also made note of yesterday's Emergency message test, which saw a Test Message delivered to cel phones and mobile devices across the province.

That was a project which we noted on the blog earlier in the day on Wednesday, offering up a hint as to how the system was supposed to work.

It was all systems go for the North Coast Review's cell phone
as the Emergency Alert test from Wednesday came through loud and clear

However, that project may require a bit of fine tuning, with reports coming in from all corners of BC that not everyone received a message at 1:55 PM on Wednesday.  Suggesting that a bit of work is still ahead for the province as they look to roll out a comprehensive alert system for emergency notification.

The scattered success of yesterday's test making for a range of media observations through the last 24 hours.

B.C's emergency cellphone test doesn't quite go as planned
Didn't get a mobile emergency test alert? This might be why
Emergency alert test in B.C. did not work for everyone
BC Alert has mixed results
Nationwide emergency alert system only works on some phones
Many British Columbians never received emergency test alert
Did you get the B.C. Emergency alert?
Did your cellphone make an alarming sound? Mixed result for B.C. test of new emergency alert system
BC to work with emergency alert operator after test fails to reach all


More notes on items from the BC Legislature can be found on our archive page here.

A wider overview of the provincial political scene is available on our portal D'Arcy McGee.

Emergency Info and Civic Information about to be made available through mobile device services

Looking for Instant information on emergency situations, or details on civic departments?

In Prince Rupert there now is an app for that.

Part of the preview of tonight's update on emergency alerts as part of the Prince Rupert City Council session, provides some interesting background notes on two new services that are up and running through the City of Prince Rupert's communications options.

Tonight City Council will hear the details of the launch of the new Emergency Alert System and City Mobile Application process for mobile devices, with Communications Manager Veronika Stewart, Fire Chief Dave Mckenzie and IT manager Marko Kessler set to outline how the new systems will work in the community.

The Emergency Alert program roll out comes following the January 23rd earthquake, which found the city facing some concerns over the level of communication in the community when it comes to warnings for emergency situations.

According to the report, which is available through the City Council Agenda for this evening (see page 23) the City has developed a subscription based emergency alert system, along with an in-house developed mobile application for residents to access information in case of an emergency.

The City will then deliver additional information to residents through local radio, City Social media and the city Website.

The report outlines that the cost of developing and implementing both programs has been mostly through staff time, with a Connect Rocket service fee (the emergency alert program) listed at 3,000 dollars per year, plus a cost associated with each notification sent during an emergency, one time emergency costs which are stated to be recoverable through the province.

The cost for the hosting platform is listed at 950 dollars per year, while the estimated cost for printing and delivering brochures related to the introduction of the services is estimated to be $2,000.

A look at the Tsunami Hazard and Safe Zones for the City of Prince Rupert
part of the focus for tonight's Report to Council 
related to a new Emergency Information System
(from the City of Prince Rupert City Council Agenda for April 9 2018)

Forms to register for the subscription service will be made available at City Hall, the Recreation Centre, Seniors Centre, Public Library, RCMP front desk and other partner organizations.

Residents will also be able to register for the alert system through the city website at princerupert.ca/emergency once that link goes live.

A copy of the application form for residents of Prince Rupert,
the form will register residents in the city's emergency alert system
(from the City of Prince Rupert Council Meeting agenda for April 9
(click to enlarge)

The City's IT department has divided Prince Rupert into a number of
sections for residents to access community information through mobile devices
 ( from the City of Prince Rupert City Council Agenda for April 9 2018)

The mobile app is available for download now, you can access and download the required apps for your mobile devices by way of typing Prince Rupert into the search engine of whichever Mobile App store you happen to use.

The mobile apps also provide for a range of material and links related to the City of Prince Rupert,
featuring a number of categories to explore, included on the list:

Call a Department
Notifications
Municipal News
Municipal Events
Video Channel
Points of Interest
Brochures and Guides
Municipal Bylaws
Digital Forms

The Report to Council also highlights the range of access that is now available through the city's 311 phone service, where links to a number of City Departments can be accessed by following the prompts from the phone menu once you call in.

The full roll out for the program tonight, will also offer the City Council members a chance to ask questions and highlight the shift into the new communication stream that the options will now provide for the community.

The Council session takes place tonight at 7PM and is available through CityWest Community television or streamed live through the City of Prince Rupert website.

For more items of interest from tonight's Prince Rupert City Council session see our Preview Page here.

A wider overview of past City Council Discussion topics can be found on our archive page.


To return to the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Testing, Testing ... Are you Prepared for an Emergency situation?

The province's Emergency Broadcast System is going to be the subject of a preparation exercise later today, with TV and Radio stations across British Columbia set to showcase how they will deliver emergency information to the public, should an event take place requiring such notice.

The Alert Exercise will take place this afternoon at 1:55, when a tone and the following message will be transmit by all broadcast services in British Columbia


“This is a test of the British Columbia Emergency Alerting System issued by Emergency Management British Columbia. This is only a test. If this had been an actual emergency or threat you would now hear instructions that would assist you to protect you and your family. This is only a test. No action is required.”

You can review the background to today's test here.

Today's test is part of preparations to launch a wireless phone addition to the existing Alert Ready program in BC, that component is designed to provide emergency information to residents through their cel phones.

You can learn more about that program here,  the cel Phone messaging program is expected to be put into motion in May with the first tests of the messaging project to take place at that time.

One of the main complaints from North Coast residents during the 7.9 earthquake in Kodiak Alaska and Tsunami warning for the region was the lack of alert options available in the Prince Rupert area to call attention to that and future emergency situations.

January 23 -- Tuesday morning Tsunami Warning may spur on calls for better public alert system for Prince Rupert
January 23 -- Overnight 7.9 magnitude quake in Gulf of Alaska briefly put Coastal BC under Tsunami Alert

The confusion over public alerts led the City of Prince Rupert to issue this advisory related to the January 23rd event, where city officials noted that at that time they did not believe that it was necessary to call a local state of emergency.

While the City may have been reinforcing the theme that there had been nothing of concern for local residents, the fall out from the January 23rd event did find a number or residents outlining their concerns over the flow of information from the city.

With some calling for a return of the emergency siren program in the community, an alert system abandoned by the City many years ago and one that they don't seem too much in a hurry to reinstate in the wake of the most recent warnings of January.

January 24 -- After Tuesday's Alaska quake: Seismic aftershocks continue in Kodiak, while political aftershocks continue to rumble across the North Coast

Council members followed up on the January event at their January 29th Regular Council session, providing a short overview of the most recent event and plans for future alert programs, along with some historical perspective on how the community handled previous emergency situations.

Included in that overview of late January was the City's own plans for an automated alert system for text and landlines in the community.

January 31 -- Council's Tsunami Alert Review: One part history lesson, one part look to the future

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice, who holds the position of Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness, has been quite active through her social media accounts with updates on how British Columbians can prepare for Emergency Situations.

You can review more of her talking points on the theme here.

As well you can learn more about preparation from the Prepared BC twitter feed and website

For more items related to seismic events on the North Coast see our archive page here.

To keep up to date on community events in the community see our Events archive page here.


To return to the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Northwest Wildfires of 2018

BC Declared a State of Emergency related to the Wildfires on August 15th
The full background to the announcement can be reviewed here.


Alkali Lake Fire (Telegraph Creek, Dease Lake area)

Updates from BC Wildfire Service

Latest Update

Telegraph Creek community Facebook page

News items of note

August 17 -- Province to match Red Cross donations to help people affected by wildfires (BC Gov't)
August 17 -- Four Rivers Co-op collecting donations for wildfire relief
August 17 -- Moderate weather to allow Alkali Lake Fire Crews to begin assessing roads
August 17 -- First Nations say fragmented system hampering wildfire communication
August 16 -- Terrace fundraiser pulls in thousands for Telegraph Creek wildfire relief
August 16 -- The Postmen collect 45 boxes of supplies for wildfire relief
August 16 -- Four rivers Co-op activities relief fund for 2018 wildfire evacuees
August 16 -- Minister Donaldson addresses RDBN Chair Bill Miller's Criticism
August 16 -- Chief Fire Information Officer says infrastructure protection is high priority
August 15 -- BC declares state of emergency as hundreds of wildfires burn across province
August 15 -- Rice on emergency preparedness in wildfire season
August 15 -- BC Declares province wide state of emergency due to Wildfires
August 15 -- BC declares state of emergency as more than 560 wildfires rage
August 15 -- Minister of Safety Mike Farnworth declares provincial state of emergency for BC
August 15 -- State of Emergency declared as Wildfire Crews continue to work multiple fires across the province  NCR
August 14 -- Australian firefighters join Telegraph Creek efforts
August 13 -- Province looking to Federal Government for Wildfire Assistance
August 13 -- Jennifer Rice on Wildfire response (video)
August 13 -- Northwest Wildfires update (video)
August 13 -- British Columbia volunteers collecting supplies for wildfire evacuees, front line personnel  NCR
August 13 -- Province requests Federal assistance in Wildfire fights  NCR
August 13 -- Crews make progress on Telegraph Creek area wildfire
August 11 -- Terrace to hold fundraiser for Telegraph Creek fire evacuees
August 11 -- 3 New Emergency support centres open up in Kitimat-Stikine
August 10 -- Wildfire update for August 10 (video)
August 10 -- District extends State of Emergency another week
August 10 -- As wildfires closed in, 9 hikers rescued by helicopter from BC mountain
August 10 -- Northern Health releases medical services list for evacuees seeking shelter in Terrace
August 10 -- 9 hikers rescued near Telegraph Creek fire
August 10 -- Situation improves a bit for Stikine Wildfires, but not for Babine Complex Fires
August 10 -- Alakali Lake and South Stikine Fires grow to 30 thousand hectares
August 9 -- Telegraph Creek Fire update (video)
August 9 -- Regional politicians tour the Telegraph Lake/Dease Lake area to assess wildfire situation  NCR
August 9 -- BC shows overwhelming support for Telegraph Creek
August 9 -- Alkali Lake and South Stikine fires merge, causing problems for Telegraph Creek crews
August 8 -- Telegraph Creek Wild Fire update (video)
August 8 -- Tahltan territory wildfires merge into massive blaze
August 8 -- Donaldson hoping for First-Hand look at Telegraph Creek Situation
August 8 -- Volatile Telegraph Creek wildfires merge overnight
August 8 -- Minister of Public Safety says programs will be made available to help Telegraph Creek
August 8 -- Wildfire evacuees asked to check in with support services
August 8 -- Haisla Nation donates to Tahltan evacuees
August 8 -- Crews continue to battle growing Alkali Lake wildfire threatening Telegraph Creek
August 8 -- Nisga'a donate to Tahltan evacuees, firefighting efforts
August 8 -- Alkali Lake fire grows and comes close to South Stikine merger
August 7 -- Fires force Telegraph Creek evacuation
August 7 -- Structural protection units to stay in Telegraph Creek overnight while heavy equipment clears Highway 51
August 7 -- 27 structures destroyed by Wildfires in Telegraph Creek area
August 7 -- Fire destroys 27 structures in Telegraph Creek
August 7 -- 27 structures lost in 'volatile' northern BC wildfire
August 7 -- Telegraph Creek evacuated (video)
August 7 -- 27 structures in Telegraph Creek area lost to fire
August 7 -- Buildings destroyed in Telegraph Creek area as wildfires rage in Northern BC
August 7 -- Tahltan Band chief says anxiety rising over unconfirmed social media posts
August 7 -- Kitsumkalum Hall opens for Telegraph Creek evacuees
August 7 -- Northwest wildfire consumes some structures at Telegraph Creek, residents evacuated around Northwest  NCR
August 7 -- Wildfire Devestates Telegraph Creek
August 7 -- Telegraph Creek Evacuated as Wildfires Spread
August 7 -- 27 structures in Telegraph Creek area lost to fire
August 7 -- Buildings destroyed in Telegraph Creek area
August 6 -- Tahltan Central Government says Deas Lake and Iskut preparing as wildfires rage
August 6 -- Fires grow in Telegraph Creek
August 6 -- Latest communities evacuated include Telegraph Creek
August 6 -- Yukon MLA helps family and friends leave fire-threatened Telegraph Creek
August 5 -- Telegraph Creek under evacuation order
August 2 -- More crews moved to Alkali Lake wildfire


*******************************************************************************

Island Lake Fire ( South of Francois Lake)

Updates from BC Wildfire Service

Latest Update

News items of note

August 18 -- Update for August 18
August 18 -- Police patrol for looters in areas south of Burns Lake
August 17 -- First Nations say fragmented system hampering wildfire communication
August 17 -- BC Hydro applying credits for evacuees
August 17 -- Fire chases Burns Lake crews out of their own camp
August 17 -- Extreme Fire Behaviour Warning issued for Lakes District
August 17 -- Evacuees swell to 1300 in Prince George
August 17 -- Burns Lake Mayor wonders why Emergency Declaration took so long
August 17 -- Province to match Red Cross donations to help people affected by wildfires (BC Gov't)
August 17 -- Locals trained to assist in fighting wildfires in and around Burns Lake
August 17 -- Large firefighter camp being assembled in Burns Lake
August 17 -- Regional District of Bulkley-Nehcako hosts 150 people at wildfire meeting
August 17 -- Burns Lake Band opens doors to evacuees, firefighters
August 17 -- Another smoky weekend on tap for BVLD as wildfires rage on
August 16 -- Burns Lake Mayor on Forest Fires (video)
August 16 -- People ignoring evacuation order warned of extreme fire behaviour
August 16 -- Minister Donaldson addresses RDBN Chair Bill Miller's Criticism
August 16 -- RDBN, BC wildfire service hosting public meeting in Burns Lake
August 16 -- Wildfire Meeting Tonight in Burns Lake
August 16 -- Four rivers Co-op activities relief fund for 2018 wildfire evacuees
August 16 -- RDBN holding public wildfire information session in Burns Lake
August 16 -- Chief Fire Information Officer says infrastructure protection is high priority
August 16 -- RDBN issues updated dwellings list under evacuation order or alert
August 15 -- Forest Fire, Evacuees in Prince George (video)
August 15 -- Over 500 Wildfire evacuees come to Prince George
August 15 -- Evacuation orders now cover entire south side of Francois Lake
August 15 -- Wildfire smoke in Bulkley Valley to Drift into Prince George
August 15 -- 'We've increased communications much earlier than last year:' Donaldson
August 15 -- BC Declares province wide state of emergency due to Wildfires
August 15 -- BC declares state of emergency as hundreds of wildfires burn across province
August 15 -- BC declares state of emergency as more than 560 wildfires rage
August 15 -- Minister of Safety Mike Farnworth declares provincial state of emergency for BC
August 15 -- State of Emergency declared as Wildfire Crews continue to work multiple fires across the province  NCR
August 14 -- Northwest Fire Evacuation expands (video)
August 14 -- Did the province act quickly enough to stop wildfires in Northern BC? (audio)
August 14 -- "We are short on the ground in the fires in my area,": Rustad
August 14 -- Growth on several Northwest blazes
August 13 -- Province looking to Federal Government for Wildfire Assistance
August 13 -- Northwest Wildfires update (video)
August 13 -- Evacuation orders/alerts blanked southern portion of Bulkley-Nechako RD
August 13 -- British Columbia volunteers collecting supplies for wildfire evacuees, front line personnel  NCR
August 13 -- Province requests Federal assistance in Wildfire fights  NCR
August 13 -- Island Lake Evacuation Alert Expanded
August 10 -- Babine Complex Fires continue aggressive behaviour
August 10 -- Wildfires 5 km from northwest BC fibre optic cable
August 9 -- Winds fuel expansion of Babine Complex Fires
August 8 -- Island Lake Wildfire evacuation order zone increases
August 8 -- Minister tours Burns Lake area wildfires
August 7 -- Lakes District Wildfires update (video)
August 7 -- Island Lake Fire now estimated at 7,000 hectares
August 7 -- RDBN expands the Island Lake Evacuation Zones for 2nd time
August 7 -- Lakes District Fires Burn Aggressively
August 6 -- RDBN expands evacuation alert and order zones for the Island Lake Wildfire
August 3 -- Forest Fire situation worsens in Northwest -- Evacuation orders issued
August 3 -- Evacuation order issues for homes southeast of Francois Lake

*******************************************************************************

Nadina Lake ( South of Houston)

Updates from BC Wildfire Service

Latest Update

News items of note

August 18 -- Update for August 18
August 18 -- Police patrol for looters in areas south of Burns Lake
August 17 -- First Nations say fragmented system hampering wildfire communication
August 17 -- Burns Lake Mayor wonders why Emergency Declaration took so long
August 17 -- Evacuees swell to 1300 in Prince George
August 17 -- Extreme fire behaviour warning issued for Bulkley-Nechako
August 17 -- Large firefighter camp being assembled in Burns Lake
August 17 -- Extreme Fire Behaviour Warning issued for Lakes District
August 17 -- Province to match Red Cross donations to help people affected by wildfires (BC Gov't)
August 17 -- BC Hydro applying credits for evacuees
August 17 -- Locals trained to assist in fighting wildfires in and around Burns Lake
August 17 -- Regional District of Bulkley-Nehcako hosts 150 people at wildfire meeting
August 17 -- Burns Lake Band opens doors to evacuees, firefighters
August 17 -- District of Houston not opening evacuee reception centre
August 17 -- Another smoky weekend on tap for BVLD as wildfires rage on
August 16 -- Burns Lake Mayor on Forest Fires (video)
August 16 -- Chief Fire Information Officer says infrastructure protection is high priority
August 16 -- People ignoring evacuation order warned of extreme fire behaviour
August 16 -- Wildfire Meeting Tonight in Burns Lake
August 16 -- Four rivers Co-op activities relief fund for 2018 wildfire evacuees
August 16 -- Minister Donaldson addresses RDBN Chair Bill Miller's Criticism
August 16 -- RDBN holding public wildfire information session in Burns Lake
August 16 -- Nadina Lake wildfire expands to 46,000 hectares
August 16 -- RDBN, BC wildfire service hosting public meeting in Burns Lake
August 16 -- RDBN issues updated dwellings list under evacuation order or alert
August 15 -- Forest Fire, Evacuees in Prince George (video)
August 15 -- Expanded evacuation order for the Nadina-Verdun Wildfires
August 15 -- Wildfire smoke in Bulkley Valley to Drift into Prince George
August 15 -- Over 500 Wildfire evacuees come to Prince George
August 15 -- 'We've increased communications much earlier than last year:' Donaldson
August 15 -- BC Declares province wide state of emergency due to Wildfires
August 15 -- BC declares state of emergency as hundreds of wildfires burn across province
August 15 -- BC declares state of emergency as more than 560 wildfires rage
August 15 -- Minister of Safety Mike Farnworth declares provincial state of emergency for BC
August 15 -- State of Emergency declared as Wildfire Crews continue to work multiple fires across the province  NCR
August 14 -- Northwest Fire Evacuation expands (video)
August 14 -- "We are short on the ground in the fires in my area,": Rustad
August 14 -- Growth on several Northwest blazes
August 14 -- Nadina-Verdun Wildfire evacuation order, alert expansion
August 13 -- British Columbia volunteers collecting supplies for wildfire evacuees, front line personnel  NCR
August 13 -- Province looking to Federal Government for Wildfire Assistance
August 13 -- Northwest Wildfires update (video)
August 13 -- Evacuation orders/alerts blanked southern portion of Bulkley-Nechako RD
August 13 -- Province requests Federal assistance in Wildfire fights  NCR
August 10 -- Nadina Wildfire evacuation order/alert areas expanded
August 10 -- Babine Complex Fires continue aggressive behaviour

August 7 -- Nadina Lake Fire now estimated at 5,640 hectares

August 7 -- Nadina Lake Wildfire Forces the RDBN to expand the evacuation zones for a 2nd time
August 2 -- Evacuation order issued for East End of Nadina Lake
August 2 -- Evacuation alert for the Nadine Lake Fire
August 2 -- Evacuation order issued south of Burns Lake
August 2 -- Evacuation order southeast of Bulkley Valley

*******************************************************************************


Shovel Lake ( Endako/Burns Lake)

Updates from BC Wildfire Service

Latest Update

News items of note

August 18 -- Update for August 18
August 18 -- Police patrol for looters in areas south of Burns Lake
August 17 -- First Nations say fragmented system hampering wildfire communication
August 17 -- Evacuees swell to 1300 in Prince George
August 17 -- Extreme fire behaviour warning issued for Bulkley-Nechako
August 17 -- Burns Lake Mayor wonders why Emergency Declaration took so long
August 17 -- Chief Fire Information officer says better mapping the cause of increased size estimates for Shovel Lake
August 17 -- Large firefighter camp being assembled in Burns Lake
August 17 -- Extreme Fire Behaviour Warning issued for Lakes District
August 17 -- Shovel Lake wildfire remains very active
August 17 -- Fire chases Burns Lake crews out of their own camp
August 17 -- BC Hydro applying credits for evacuees
August 17 -- Province to match Red Cross donations to help people affected by wildfires (BC Gov't)
August 17 -- Regional District of Bulkley-Nehcako hosts 150 people at wildfire meeting
August 17 -- Locals trained to assist in fighting wildfires in and around Burns Lake
August 17 -- Burns Lake Band opens doors to evacuees, firefighters
August 17 -- Shovel Lake Wildfire Growth Due to "Better Mapping"" BC Wildfire Service
August 17 -- Another smoky weekend on tap for BVLD as wildfires rage on
August 16 -- Burns Lake Mayor on Forest Fires (video)
August 16 -- Chief Fire Information Officer says infrastructure protection is high priority
August 16 -- RDBN adds two areas to Shovel Lake Evacuation orders
August 16 -- Northern Health transferring patients from Stuart Lake to Fort St. James
August 16 -- People ignoring evacuation order warned of extreme fire behaviour
August 16 -- Four rivers Co-op activities relief fund for 2018 wildfire evacuees
August 16 -- Wildfire Meeting Tonight in Burns Lake
August 16 -- RDBN, BC wildfire service hosting public meeting in Burns Lake
August 16 -- Shovel Lake wildfire expands to 68,000 hectares
August 16 -- RDBN holding public wildfire information session in Burns Lake
August 16 -- Minister Donaldson addresses RDBN Chair Bill Miller's Criticism
August 16 -- Shovel Lake regains title as largest out-of-control blaze in B.C.
August 15 -- Forest Fire, Evacuees in Prince George (video)
August 15 -- Over 500 Wildfire evacuees come to Prince George
August 16 -- RDBN issues updated dwellings list under evacuation order or alert
August 15 -- Shovel Lake fire evacuation alert expanded
August 15 -- Shovel Lake Evacuation alert expanded to include Highway 27 to Fort St. James
August 15 -- Wildfire smoke in Bulkley Valley to Drift into Prince George
August 15 -- 'We've increased communications much earlier than last year:' Donaldson
August 15 -- BC Declares province wide state of emergency due to Wildfires
August 15 -- BC declares state of emergency as hundreds of wildfires burn across province
August 15 -- Evacuation order for Shovel Lake Wildfire expanded
August 15 -- BC declares state of emergency as more than 560 wildfires rage
August 15 -- Minister of Safety Mike Farnworth declares provincial state of emergency for BC
August 15 -- State of Emergency declared as Wildfire Crews continue to work multiple fires across the province  NCR
August 14 -- Northwest Fire Evacuation expands (video)
August 14 -- "We are short on the ground in the fires in my area,": Rustad
August 14 -- Growth on several Northwest blazes
August 14 -- RDBN expands Shovel Lake evacuation order area
August 13 -- Province looking to Federal Government for Wildfire Assistance
August 13 -- Northwest Wildfires update (video)
August 13 -- Nadleh Whut'en Nation Boundary included in latest Shovel Lake evacuation order expansion
August 13 -- Evacuation orders/alerts blanked southern portion of Bulkley-Nechako RD
August 13 -- British Columbia volunteers collecting supplies for wildfire evacuees, front line personnel  NCR
August 13 -- Province requests Federal assistance in Wildfire fights  NCR
August 12 -- Wildfires cause more evacuation orders and alerts for north-central British Columbia
August 12 -- Residents on edge, some evacuated as wildfires rage in North Central BC
August 11 -- Evacuation alert around Shovel Lake fire expanded 
August 11 -- 3 new emergency support centres open up in Kitimat-Stikine
August 10 -- 'We're in serious trouble': concern growing over massive wildfires burning near Burns Lake
August 10 -- Wildfires 5 km from northwest BC fibre optic cable
August 9 -- Lakes District Wildfire update (August 9)
August 9 -- Two new evacuation order expansions in the Bulkley-Nechako, including one south of Houston
August 9 -- Shovel Lake wildfire evacuation alert area expanded again
August 9 -- Evacuation Zones grow in Lakes District
August 9 -- RDBN expands Shovel Lake evacuation order/alert areas
August 8 -- Lakes District Wild fire update (video)
August 8 -- Minister tours Burns Lake area wildfires
August 8 -- RDBN reception centre locations
August 7 -- Wildfire Crews Trying to Hold Back Fires (video)
August 5 -- Crews continue to battle wildfires
August 5 -- Shovel Lake wildfire still growing
August 4 -- Wildfires continue in Prince George Fire Centre

*******************************************************************************

South Stikine River (Stikine River at Tahltan River)

Updates from BC Wildfire Service

Fire merged with Telegraph Creek Fire 
(see notes for that fire for updates)

Latest Update

News items of note

August 17 -- Province to match Red Cross donations to help people affected by wildfires (BC Gov't)
August 17 -- Regional District of Bulkley-Nehcako hosts 150 people at wildfire meeting
August 17 -- First Nations say fragmented system hampering wildfire communication
August 17 -- Extreme fire behaviour warning issued for Bulkley-Nechako
August 17 -- BC Hydro applying credits for evacuees
August 16 -- Burns Lake Mayor on Forest Fires (video)
August 16 -- Chief Fire Information Officer says infrastructure protection is high priority
August 16 -- RDBN holding public wildfire information session in Burns Lake
August 16 -- Minister Donaldson addresses RDBN Chair Bill Miller's Criticism
August 16 -- Four rivers Co-op activities relief fund for 2018 wildfire evacuees
August 15 -- Forest Fire, Evacuees in Prince George (video)
August 15 -- Over 500 Wildfire evacuees come to Prince George
August 15 -- BC declares state of emergency as hundreds of wildfires burn across province
August 15 -- BC declares state of emergency as more than 560 wildfires rage
August 15 -- Minister of Safety Mike Farnworth declares provincial state of emergency for BC
August 15 -- State of Emergency declared as Wildfire Crews continue to work multiple fires across the province  NCR
August 14 -- Northwest Fire Evacuation expands (video)
August 13 -- British Columbia volunteers collecting supplies for wildfire evacuees, front line personnel  NCR
August 13 -- Province looking to Federal Government for Wildfire Assistance
August 13 -- Northwest Wildfires update (video)
August 13 -- Evacuation orders/alerts blanked southern portion of Bulkley-Nechako RD
August 13 -- Province requests Federal assistance in Wildfire fights  NCR

*******************************************************************************

Torkelson Lake ( South of Fort Babine)

Updates from BC Wildfire Service

Latest Update

News items of note


August 18 -- Police patrol for looters in areas south of Burns Lake
August 17 -- Burns Lake Mayor wonders why Emergency Declaration took so long
August 17 -- First Nations say fragmented system hampering wildfire communication
August 17 -- Fire chases Burns Lake crews out of their own camp
August 17 -- Province to match Red Cross donations to help people affected by wildfires (BC Gov't)
August 17 -- BC Hydro applying credits for evacuees
August 17 -- Extreme fire behaviour warning issued for Bulkley-Nechako
August 17 -- Extreme Fire Behaviour Warning issued for Lakes District
August 17 -- Evacuees swell to 1300 in Prince George
August 17 -- Large firefighter camp being assembled in Burns Lake
August 17 -- Locals trained to assist in fighting wildfires in and around Burns Lake
August 17 -- Regional District of Bulkley-Nehcako hosts 150 people at wildfire meeting
August 17 -- Burns Lake Band opens doors to evacuees, firefighters
August 17 -- Another smoky weekend on tap for BVLD as wildfires rage on
August 16 -- Burns Lake Mayor on Forest Fires (video)
August 16 -- People ignoring evacuation order warned of extreme fire behaviour
August 16 -- Minister Donaldson addresses RDBN Chair Bill Miller's Criticism
August 16 -- Wildfire Meeting Tonight in Burns Lake
August 16 -- Chief Fire Information Officer says infrastructure protection is high priority
August 16 -- RDBN issues updated dwellings list under evacuation order or alert
August 16 -- RDBN, BC wildfire service hosting public meeting in Burns Lake
August 16 -- RDBN holding public wildfire information session in Burns Lake
August 16 -- Four rivers Co-op activities relief fund for 2018 wildfire evacuees
August 15 -- Forest Fire, Evacuees in Prince George (video)
August 15 -- New evacuation order in effect for West Babine River fire
August 15 -- Wildfire smoke in Bulkley Valley to Drift into Prince George
August 15 -- Over 500 Wildfire evacuees come to Prince George
August 15 -- 'We've increased communications much earlier than last year:' Donaldson
August 15 -- BC Declares province wide state of emergency due to Wildfires
August 15 -- BC declares state of emergency as hundreds of wildfires burn across province
August 15 -- BC declares state of emergency as more than 560 wildfires rage
August 15 -- Minister of Safety Mike Farnworth declares provincial state of emergency for BC
August 15 -- State of Emergency declared as Wildfire Crews continue to work multiple fires across the province  NCR
August 14 -- Northwest Fire Evacuation expands (video)
August 14 -- "We are short on the ground in the fires in my area,": Rustad
August 13 -- Province looking to Federal Government for Wildfire Assistance
August 13 -- Northwest Wildfires update (video)
August 13 -- Evacuation orders/alerts blanked southern portion of Bulkley-Nechako RD
August 13 -- British Columbia volunteers collecting supplies for wildfire evacuees, front line personnel  NCR
August 13 -- Province requests Federal assistance in Wildfire fights  NCR
August 10 -- Fire near Lake Babine prompts expanded evacuation alert
August 10 -- Northwest Fire Centre  updates wildfire situation in the Bulkley Fire Zone
August 8 -- RDBN reception centre locations
August 6 -- RDBN issues an evacuation order due to the Torkelsen Lake Wildfire

*******************************************************************************

Verdun Mountain (Southwest of Grassy Plains)

Updates from BC Wildfire Service

Latest Update

News items of note

August 18 -- Update for August 18
August 17 -- Province to match Red Cross donations to help people affected by wildfires (BC Gov't)
August 17 -- Large firefighter camp being assembled in Burns Lake
August 17 -- First Nations say fragmented system hampering wildfire communication
August 17 -- Burns Lake Mayor wonders why Emergency Declaration took so long
August 17 -- Extreme Fire Behaviour Warning issued for Lakes District
August 17 -- Regional District of Bulkley-Nehcako hosts 150 people at wildfire meeting
August 17 -- BC Hydro applying credits for evacuees
August 17 -- Extreme fire behaviour warning issued for Bulkley-Nechako
August 17 -- Locals trained to assist in fighting wildfires in and around Burns Lake
August 17 -- Evacuees swell to 1300 in Prince George
August 17 -- Another smoky weekend on tap for BVLD as wildfires rage on
August 17 -- District of Houston not opening evacuee reception centre
August 16 -- Verdun Mountain blaze shrinks
August 16 -- People ignoring evacuation order warned of extreme fire behaviour
August 16 -- Burns Lake Mayor on Forest Fires (video)
August 16 -- Chief Fire Information Officer says infrastructure protection is high priority
August 16 -- Minister Donaldson addresses RDBN Chair Bill Miller's Criticism
August 16 -- Wildfire Meeting Tonight in Burns Lake
August 16 -- RDBN holding public wildfire information session in Burns Lake
August 16 -- RDBN, BC wildfire service hosting public meeting in Burns Lake
August 16 -- RDBN issues updated dwellings list under evacuation order or alert
August 16 -- Four rivers Co-op activities relief fund for 2018 wildfire evacuees
August 15 -- Forest Fire, Evacuees in Prince George (video)
August 15 -- Expanded evacuation order for the Nadina-Verdun Wildfires
August 15 -- Wildfire smoke in Bulkley Valley to Drift into Prince George
August 15 -- 'We've increased communications much earlier than last year:' Donaldson
August 15 -- BC Declares province wide state of emergency due to Wildfires
August 15 -- BC declares state of emergency as hundreds of wildfires burn across province
August 15 -- Over 500 Wildfire evacuees come to Prince George
August 15 -- BC declares state of emergency as more than 560 wildfires rage
August 15 -- Minister of Safety Mike Farnworth declares provincial state of emergency for BC
August 15 -- State of Emergency declared as Wildfire Crews continue to work multiple fires across the province  NCR
August 14 -- Northwest Fire Evacuation expands (video)
August 14 -- "We are short on the ground in the fires in my area,": Rustad
August 14 -- Growth on several Northwest blazes
August 14 -- Evacuation orders expand for Verdun fire, South of Burns Lake
August 14 -- Nadina-Verdun Wildfire evacuation order, alert expansion
August 14 -- Guards set up around Verdun Wildfire threatened overnight
August 14 -- RDBN expands evacuation order for Verdun mountain
August 13 -- Province looking to Federal Government for Wildfire Assistance
August 13 -- Northwest Wildfires update (video)
August 13 -- Evacuation orders/alerts blanked southern portion of Bulkley-Nechako RD
August 13 -- British Columbia volunteers collecting supplies for wildfire evacuees, front line personnel  NCR
August 13 -- Province requests Federal assistance in Wildfire fights  NCR
August 10 -- Fire near Lake Babine prompts expanded evacuation alert
August 10 -- Babine Complex Fires continue aggressive behaviour

August 9 -- Evacuation order for Verdun Mountain Wildfire expands

August 9 -- Winds fuel expansion of Babine Complex Fires

August 8 -- Verdun Fire evacuation/alert areas expand
August 7 -- Residents ordered to evacuate Verdun Mountain area
August 7 -- RDBN expands evacuation zones for the Verdun Mountain Wildfire

*******************************************************************************

Gilmore Lake Fire (Topley)

Updates from BC Wildfire Service

Latest Update

News items of note

August 18 -- Police patrol for looters in areas south of Burns Lake
August 17 -- Province to match Red Cross donations to help people affected by wildfires (BC Gov't)
August 17 -- Another smoky weekend on tap for BVLD as wildfires rage on
August 17 -- First Nations say fragmented system hampering wildfire communication
August 17 -- Extreme fire behaviour warning issued for Bulkley-Nechako
August 17 -- Evacuees swell to 1300 in Prince George
August 17 -- BC Hydro applying credits for evacuees
August 16 -- People ignoring evacuation order warned of extreme fire behaviour
August 16 -- RDBN issues updated dwellings list under evacuation order or alert
August 16 -- Wildfire Meeting Tonight in Burns Lake
August 16 -- Minister Donaldson addresses RDBN Chair Bill Miller's Criticism
August 16 -- Burns Lake Mayor on Forest Fires (video)
August 16 -- RDBN holding public wildfire information session in Burns Lake
August 16 -- Chief Fire Information Officer says infrastructure protection is high priority
August 16 -- Four rivers Co-op activities relief fund for 2018 wildfire evacuees
August 15 -- Forest Fire, Evacuees in Prince George (video)
August 15 -- Evacuation order downgraded to alert for Gilmore Lake wildfire
August 15 -- Over 500 Wildfire evacuees come to Prince George
August 15 -- RDBN calls off evacuation order for Gilmore Lake Fire
August 15 -- Wildfire smoke in Bulkley Valley to Drift into Prince George
August 15 -- 'We've increased communications much earlier than last year:' Donaldson
August 15 -- BC Declares province wide state of emergency due to Wildfires
August 15 -- BC declares state of emergency as hundreds of wildfires burn across province
August 15 -- BC declares state of emergency as more than 560 wildfires rage
August 15 -- Minister of Safety Mike Farnworth declares provincial state of emergency for BC
August 15 -- State of Emergency declared as Wildfire Crews continue to work multiple fires across the province  NCR
August 14 -- Northwest Fire Evacuation expands (video)
August 14 -- "We are short on the ground in the fires in my area,": Rustad
August 13 -- Province looking to Federal Government for Wildfire Assistance
August 13 -- Northwest Wildfires update (video)
August 13 -- Evacuation orders/alerts blanked southern portion of Bulkley-Nechako RD
August 13 -- British Columbia volunteers collecting supplies for wildfire evacuees, front line personnel  NCR
August 13 -- Province requests Federal assistance in Wildfire fights  NCR
August 11 -- Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako operating four emergency reception centres
August 10 -- Fire near Lake Babine prompts expanded evacuation alert
August 10 -- Babine Complex Fires continue aggressive behaviour

August 8 -- Gilmore Lake Fire burning near Topley

August 8 -- RDBN reception centre locations
August 8 -- Bulkley-Nechako issues further orders as fires continue to grow
August 7 -- RDBN issues evacuation alert and order for Fire near Topley
August 7 -- Reported blaze near Topley
August 7 -- Fire near Topley forces evacuation order and alert

*******************************************************************************

Purvis Lake Wildfire (Takla Landing)

Updates from BC Wildfire Services

Latest Update


News items of note

August 17 -- Province to match Red Cross donations to help people affected by wildfires (BC Gov't)
August 17 -- Extreme fire behaviour warning issued for Bulkley-Nechako
August 17 -- BC Hydro applying credits for evacuees
August 16 -- Chief Fire Information Officer says infrastructure protection is high priority
August 16 -- Minister Donaldson addresses RDBN Chair Bill Miller's Criticism
August 16 -- RDBN holding public wildfire information session in Burns Lake
August 16 -- Four rivers Co-op activities relief fund for 2018 wildfire evacuees
August 15 -- Forest Fire, Evacuees in Prince George (video)
August 15 -- Wildfire smoke in Bulkley Valley to Drift into Prince George
August 15 -- 'We've increased communications much earlier than last year:' Donaldson
August 15 -- BC Declares province wide state of emergency due to Wildfires
August 15 -- Over 500 Wildfire evacuees come to Prince George
August 15 -- BC declares state of emergency as hundreds of wildfires burn across province
August 15 -- BC declares state of emergency as more than 560 wildfires rage
August 15 -- Minister of Safety Mike Farnworth declares provincial state of emergency for BC
August 15 -- State of Emergency declared as Wildfire Crews continue to work multiple fires across the province  NCR
August 14 -- Northwest Fire Evacuation expands (video)
August 14 -- "We are short on the ground in the fires in my area,": Rustad
August 13 -- British Columbia volunteers collecting supplies for wildfire evacuees, front line personnel  NCR
August 13 -- Province looking to Federal Government for Wildfire Assistance
August 13 -- Northwest Wildfires update (video)
August 13 -- Province requests Federal assistance in Wildfire fights  NCR
August 6 -- Crews battle fire east of Takla Lake
August 6 -- Wildfire Battles continue
August 6 -- Purvis Lake Wildfire forces evacuation order



*******************************************************************************

Tweedsmuir Fire ( Southwest of Fraser Lake)


Updates from BC Wildfire Services

News Items of Note


August 17 -- Province to match Red Cross donations to help people affected by wildfires (BC Gov't)
August 17 -- Explosives found on a property under evacuation order
August 17 -- Extreme fire behaviour warning issued for Bulkley-Nechako
August 17 -- RCMP explosives team called into wildfire zone
August 17 -- Fire chases Burns Lake crews out of their own camp
August 17 -- BC Hydro applying credits for evacuees
August 17 -- Locals trained to assist in fighting wildfires in and around Burns Lake
August 17 -- First Nations say fragmented system hampering wildfire communication
August 17 -- Burns Lake Mayor wonders why Emergency Declaration took so long
August 16 -- Four rivers Co-op activities relief fund for 2018 wildfire evacuees
August 16 -- Minister Donaldson addresses RDBN Chair Bill Miller's Criticism
August 16 -- RDBN holding public wildfire information session in Burns Lake
August 16 -- Burns Lake Mayor on Forest Fires (video)
August 16 -- Wildfire Meeting Tonight in Burns Lake
August 16 -- RDBN issues updated dwellings list under evacuation order or alert
August 16 -- Chief Fire Information Officer says infrastructure protection is high priority
August 15 -- Forest Fire, Evacuees in Prince George (video)
August 15 -- Over 500 Wildfire evacuees come to Prince George
August 15 -- Evacuation order, Alert expanded for Tweedsmuir complex Wildfires
August 15 -- Wildfire smoke in Bulkley Valley to Drift into Prince George
August 15 -- 'We've increased communications much earlier than last year:' Donaldson
August 15 -- BC Declares province wide state of emergency due to Wildfires
August 15 -- BC declares state of emergency as hundreds of wildfires burn across province
August 15 -- BC declares state of emergency as more than 560 wildfires rage
August 15 -- Minister of Safety Mike Farnworth declares provincial state of emergency for BC
August 15 -- State of Emergency declared as Wildfire Crews continue to work multiple fires across the province  NCR
August 14 -- Northwest Fire Evacuation expands (video)
August 13 -- British Columbia volunteers collecting supplies for wildfire evacuees, front line personnel  NCR
August 13 -- Province looking to Federal Government for Wildfire Assistance
August 13 -- Northwest Wildfires update (video)
August 13 -- Province requests Federal assistance in Wildfire fights  NCR
August 10 -- RDBN expands evacuation order for Tweedsmuir Fires

*******************************************************************************

--

To return to the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.