On a fateful day in Fort Nelson, British Columbia, thousands of residents were ordered to evacuate their homes due to an impending natural disaster. The threat of danger loomed large as authorities urged citizens to leave the area immediately for their own safety.
As families hurriedly packed their belongings and sought refuge in temporary shelters, the sense of fear and uncertainty was palpable. The community came together in solidarity, offering support and assistance to those in need during this challenging time.
Panic ensued as families scrambled to gather their belongings and make their way to designated evacuation centers. The streets were filled with cars racing towards safety, while emergency responders worked tirelessly to ensure everyone was accounted for.
More than 3,000 people were ordered to leave their homes Friday as a fast-growing wildfire advanced toward the community of Fort Nelson, part of the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) in northeast B.C, prompting an evacuation for the entire community as well as the neighbouring Fort Nelson First Nation.
The Parker Lake fire was about half a square kilometre in size at 5:25 p.m. PT Friday, but quickly grew to four square kilometres an hour later. By 10 p.m., it measured at eight square kilometres.
The service said at 10 p.m. PT the fire was 12 kilometres west of Fort Nelson, located near the border with Yukon, about 1,600 kilometres northeast of Vancouver and 500 kilometres north of Prince George.
Evacuees are advised to close and lock all windows and doors, and to shut off gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers.
A reception centre is being set up at North Peace Arena, 9805 96th Ave., in Fort St. John, according to EmergencyInfoBC.
"Updates on Emergency Reception Centre locations in Fort St. John and locations beyond will be provided when available," the regional municipality said.
The wildfire closed Highway 97 north of Fort Nelson(opens in a new tab), with DriveBC saying no updates were expected before noon on Saturday.
The Yukon government said late Friday that the wildfire near Fort Nelson had caused a 911 and telecommunications outage in the territory affecting internet, landlines and cellphones. It said a geomagnetic storm was potentially affecting satellite phones as well.
Residents needing to report an emergency were told to go to the nearest RCMP station or detachment, health centre or hospital.
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