Photo taken from downtown McBride. /SANDRA JAMES

By Laura Keil

The Regional District has issued an evacuation order for all properties along Mountain View Road north of the Fraser River and McBride properties north of Hwy 16 as a wildfire continues to grow. The fire’s approx. size is 600Ha, as of Friday night.

5:30pm UPDATE Sat May 6th Hwy 16 has closed again to the public due to the proximity of wildfire.

7am UPDATE Sat May 6th: Hwy 16 reopened.

11pm UPDATE Fri. May 5th: Hwy 16 was closed in both directions between Dore River Rd, Zeidler Dr and Hidden Lake Rd West Access for 25.9 km (McBride). The Village of McBride is now on Evacuation Alert.

There are currently four Initial Attack crews, seven officers and local volunteer fire department crews responding to this wildfire. A water bomber and helicopters are also on scene.

The wildfire is in the Teare Creek area, approximately 4km east of McBride, and started yesterday afternoon.

Evacuation alert and orders as of 8:30pm May 5th. /MAP RDFFG

Those in the evacuation order area must leave the area immediately. A reception centre has been set up at Robson Valley Community Centre in McBride.

The evacuation order includes all properties north of McBride Hwy 16 E from Laing Road west to the Village boundary, including Koeneman Rd and Mountain View Road. All properties along Mountain View Road north of the Fraser River. And all properties north of McBride Hwy 16 and Museum Road from the Village boundary west to the Dore River including Shovar Rd, Museum Rd, and Red Tail Rd.

An evacuation alert is in place for properties south of the Fraser River surrounding the Village (see map)

(story continues after photos)

Earlier today, the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George issued an evacuation order for two properties on Laing Road and evacuation alert for eight properties in the Teare Creek area.

Those in the alert area should take the following steps:

  • Secure alternate accommodations (friends and family)
  • Arrange a place to meet family or co-workers
  • Make sure your vehicle is fueled up
  • Wear and pack season appropriate clothing
  • Take purse, cash & credit cards
  • Make travel arrangements
  • Take medications, eye glasses, documents, photos & ID
  • Bring blankets, sleeping bags, books & games
  • Make arrangements for pets and take leashes, crates, pet food
  • Collect photos and mementos that can’t be replaced
  • Read or listen to local news, the RDFFG website www.rdffg.bc.ca and Facebook page for updates
  • For further information about how to prepare your family and your property for an evacuation, visit
    www.gov.bc.ca\preparedbc For information and updates pertaining the status of the wildfire, visit
    www.bcwildfire.ca
The Teare Creek wildfire shown above as of Friday morning has ballooned in size over the course of the day. /SANDRA JAMES