PRINCE GEORGE – It has been just over one week since Prince George activated its Emergency Operations Centre in preparation for welcoming wildfire evacuees from the region.
Today, Prince George has already received roughly 1,300 evacuees and is collaborating with other communities in the region to increase accommodation options.
Evacuees arriving in Prince George have some options:
- Those who have arranged to stay with friends or family can register at the Emergency Reception Centre in Prince George to receive support services such as food vouchers and then proceed to their lodging arrangements.
- Evacuees in RVs can register in Prince George and access spaces in nearby campgrounds.
- The City has worked with other communities in the region – such as Williams Lake, Quesnel, and Fort St. John – to identify available rooms in motels and hotels. Evacuees requiring lodging can register in Prince George, but should be aware that availability in Prince George is fluctuating daily. Evacuees are welcome to register in Prince Georgebut can choose to register at another Emergency Reception Centre if they prefer. The list of regional reception centres and their locations is available on the Emergency BC website.
The Emergency Reception Centre in Prince George is at the CN Centre on Ospika Boulevard and is open from 8:00am to 11:00pm. Long line-ups may be encountered.
Registration provides evacuees with access to various supports and services, such as accommodation and food. In fact, more than $200,000 in food vouchers have already been distributed from the Prince George reception centre. Registration is NOT required for the owners of recreational property who reside outside of the evacuation area.
How local residents can help
Volunteer PG is working with the City to identify volunteers who can assist with registering evacuees at the Emergency Reception Centre. Volunteer registration is available from the Volunteer PG website: www.volunteerpg.com
Local Services for Evacuees Expand
Evacuees in Prince George have free access to public transit, local pools, the Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre, the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre at UNBC, and services at the Prince George Public Library. More information about evacuee services and resources is provided on the City website: www.princegeorge.ca/wildfireevacuation.
There is also information on this web page about local health care services along with links to wildfire information, current evacuation orders and alerts, and an opportunity to subscribe to receive evacuation updates via email.
Red Cross launches BC Fires Appeal
The Canadian Red Cross has launched an appeal for donations to help people impacted by the wildfires. Residents can donate online at www.redcross.ca, by calling 1-800-418-1111, or by contacting their local Canadian Red Cross office.
The City is not requesting donations.
In order to keep evacuees and residents informed during this rapidly developing situation, the City has launched a web page to provide information for evacuees and residents at www.princegeorge.ca/wildfireevacuation.
