The situation within our province is critical and demands our attention. Please know that the District is constantly monitoring the rapidly changing fire situation throughout the province and the few fires in the North Thompson area; we are in regular contact with BC Wildfire. At this time, there is no immediate threat to the District of Clearwater by a wildfire.
The District also has an Emergency Response Plan in place. You can view it here. Details on possible evacuation notices are not available in the plan as each emergency situation is different and requires a different approach.
Although there is no immediate threat of a wildfire to the District, the situation can change quickly. If an evacuation is ordered, the TNRD and BC Wildfire Services will inform us of the best evacuation route and where Emergency Support Service (ESS) will set up to accommodate our community members.
We need to be aware that the risk remains and the situation can change at a moment’s notice. We strongly encourage you to be prepared: ensure your vehicles are fueled up, have important contact details stored digitally and in written format in the event of a power outage, and have a to-go bag packed with essentials including important documents, clothing, medication, etc. More information on how to build an emergency kit and grab and go bag here.
Residents are encouraged to have a personal safety plan in place in the event an Evacuation Order is issued by the Mayor. Read up here how Evacuation Notices and Orders are issued and make sure to follow the District of Clearwater Facebook page for current updates.
The TNRD Voyent Alert system! app does not work within the District of Clearwater boundary but residents in Blackpool, Upper Clearwater, Birch Island, Vavenby, etc. are urged to sign up. The District is currently looking into offering the same service to our residents.
In the meantime, residents are also encouraged to fire smart their property to make it savable. More information on fire smart best practices can be found online. Easy things to do include the raking of dead fir needles, clear off the perimeter around your house, trim trees, etc.
To reiterate, there is no immediate threat of a fire to the District of Clearwater. We are kindly asking District’s water users to conserve water as best as you can to ensure we have enough resources for fire protection if/ when it becomes necessary.
There is an absolute burning ban in the province and neither open fires and/or campfires are permitted.