Today, Oct. 1, is the final chance for residents and visitors directly or indirectly impacted by this year’s Cariboo wildfires and floods to complete a survey measuring overall response efforts.
The survey was created by the Cariboo Regional District as part of reviewing this year’s emergencies.
The survey measures overall response efforts, mental health, agriculture and business impacts.
The survey is available immediately online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/CRDwildfires2018 and can be completed at Cariboo Regional District libraries for those who do not have access to a computer.
The survey will remain open until Oct. 1.
Results will be published late this fall as part of a review report to be provided by Butterfly Effect Communications, who completed last year’s public consultation on behalf of the district.
DISTRICT THANKS RESIDENTS AND VISTORS
The CRD closed its Emergency Operations Centre on Sept. 14, which was activated on July 31 as a result of wildfires.
Remaining evacuation alerts have been lifted to all clear, and no evacuation orders or alerts are in place in the region.
“We would like to thank residents and visitors within our region for their cooperation throughout this year’s wildfires,” said John MacLean, CAO for the district.
READ MORE: Campfire ban lifted in Cariboo, Kamloops and prince George fire centres
“Some residents have spent eight of the last 14 months in or near evacuations due to floods or fires. We commend them for their resiliency and their patience, and sincerely thank the thousands of emergency responders who have worked to keep residents safe.”
Following last season’s wildfires, the region worked to improve our processes and complete some adopted recommendations from last year’s public consultation report within the limited time available between flood and wildfire seasons. Heading into this season, the district sought to limit the impact on residents.
READ MORE: Some open burning allowed again in Cariboo Fire Centre
“We were able to reduce the length of evacuations, eliminate the impact on highways, and were fortunate that wildfires did not reach large populations as they did last year,” said MacLean.
Overall statistics related to this season’s wildfires:
• Emergency Operations Centre was active for a total of 45 days, beginning on July 31 (77 days last year from July 6 to September 20)
• A total of 51 evacuation orders and alerts were issued (149 evacuations last year)
• A maximum of 125 CRD residents were impacted by evacuation orders, reaching a peak for two days beginning August 12 (28,304 residents impacted by orders last year)
• A maximum of 5,492 CRD residents were impacted by evacuation alerts, reaching a peak for one day on August 14 (35,616 residents impacted by alerts last year)
• No primary residences were lost, however, three other structures were lost (61 homes and 167 other structures were lost last year)
• The area impacted by evacuation orders reached as large as 14,099 km2 on August 20 for two days, while alerts reached as large as 6,531 km2 on August 14 for one day (39,350 km2 were impacted by orders last year, and 82,985 km2 impacted by alerts)
Please visit the CRD Emergency Operations Facebook page at facebook.com/CRDEmergencyOperations as well as the CRD website at cariboord.ca to stay connected ahead of emergencies.
Residents are strongly encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding future Evacuation Alerts and Orders: https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612292#/signup
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