A huge area is now affected by an evacuation alert due to the Tzenzaicut Lake Fire following an order first issued May 20.
A small rural neighbourhood southwest of Quesnel, northwest of Williams Lake, southeast of Nazko was ordered to leave their homes due to wildfire, but an alert is now in place for a much larger area.
The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) issued a late-night Evacuation Order for the Tzenzaicut Lake Fire Area directly west of Alexandria and Australian, across the Fraser River by about 40 kilometres. Affected residents were directed to evacuation reception services in Quesnel.
As of the first notification from the BC Wildfire Serivce at about 10:30 p.m. on May 20, the evacuation order applied to an area about 3,813 hectares.
By 10:30 a.m. the next day, Sunday, an evacution alert was issued that applied to 87,426 hectares impacting 25 parcels.
Tzenzaicut Lake Fire was estimated to be 44 hectares in size at first alert. It was discovered at 3:20 p.m. on May 20. When the update was issued, it had grown in estimated size to 116 hectares.
The cause of the fire was believed to be a lightning strike.
The BC Wildfire Service information webpage for this incident can be SEEN HERE.
The CRD’s message read:
CRD Evacuation Order - Tzenzaicut Lake Fire Area
Pursuant to the BC Emergency Program Act, An Evacuation Order has been issued by the Cariboo Regional District at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for 3 parcels in the Tzenzaicut Lake Fire Area. This order covers 3,813 hectares.
Due to immediate danger to life safety due to fire, members of the RCMP or other groups will be expediting this action.
The evacuation route is:
Head South East on Lavington Road to Tzenzaicut Lake FSR.
Continue to intersection with Tzenzaicut Garner Lake FSR and turn right on Tzenzaicut Lake Road.
Turn left to continue on Tzenzaicut Lake Road.
Turn left on West Fraser Road.
Travel North on West Fraser Road until you reach Quesnel.
Emergency Support Services are available and can be accessed by calling 250-983-3638 after arrival in Quesnel.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
You must leave the area immediately
Register at the ESS Centre listed above
Close all windows and doors
Do not shut off your natural gas if you receive an evacuation order. For more information visit www.fortisbc.com
Close gates (latch) but do not lock
Gather your family: take a neighbour or someone who needs help
Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, and keys) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
Do not use more vehicles than you have to.
Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.
YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY