As the August long weekend continues and fires continue to burn and spread in the region, preparation has never been more important. The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains active in response to multiple wildfires affecting communities across the region.
Since our last update email evacuation measures have changed for both the Twin Two (Area C) and Riley Creek (Area B) wildfires. On July 30, the Evacuation Alert for the Twin Two wildfire was expanded and an Evacuation Order was issued. The Evacuation Alert for the Riley Creek wildfire has also been updated, and an Evacuation Order is now in effect for some affected properties along Texas Creek Road. Anyone within an Evacuation Order area must leave immediately and follow the emergency instructions provided in the Order.
Please visit the SLRD Wildfire Updates page for the latest information, including active Evacuation Orders and Alerts, preparedness resources, links to BC Wildfire Service dashboard, and other important information. Check the page regularly, as conditions are changing quickly.
The SLRD EOC now also has a 24/7 Public Information Line available: 1-844-815-6199.
How to access Emergency Support Services (ESS)
Emergency Support Services (ESS) can provide short-term assistance with basic needs such as accommodation, food, clothing and other essential expenses for eligible evacuees once they are under an evacuation order.
Create your ESS profile before or after an Evacuation Order occurs at ESS.gov.bc.ca.
Creating a profile in advance can make it faster and easier to access assistance if you are later placed under an Evacuation Order. Eligible supports may be provided by Interac e-Transfer.
If you are evacuated and require support, follow the ESS instructions provided in the Evacuation Order for your area. The steps for accessing support may differ depending on the wildfire, but evacuees can register and begin accessing eligible supports online. You do not need to travel to a reception centre simply to register for ESS.
Current arrangements for Orders in the SLRD include:
Riley Creek wildfire evacuees
- In person - Lillooet Rec Centre, August 1, until 6 p.m. The District of Lillooet Emergency Support Services can be reached after that at 250-256-8524.
- Reception Centre in Kamloops to access group lodging:
- Kamloops ESS at McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre, 1655 Island Parkway, Kamloops, BC V2B 6Y9 between 9AM–5PM.
- Pet lodging in Kamloops operated by CDART, Ruff Start Rescue & Four Paws Foundation at Cooper Centre, #101 – 780 Windsor Avenue. Phone: 236-597-7719 or Email: info@cdart.or
- Intake/Visitation: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Animal care provided 24 hours per day
- Intake/Visitation: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Pear Lake wildfire evacuees
- Virtual Reception Centre: Canadian Red Cross. Phone: 1-888-800-6493
Twin Two wildfire evacuees
- Virtual Reception Centre: Canadian Red Cross. Phone: 1-888-800-6493
Bonanza Creek wildfire evacuees
- Virtual Reception Centre: Canadian Red Cross. Phone: 1-888-800-6493
If you cannot register online or need help with the ESS website, your profile or the BC Services Card app, call the BC Evacuee Helpline at 1-800-387-4258.
Get prepared, be ready - how you can plan today
Who needs a ride? Check in on your friends and neighbours
Make a transportation plan now if you are under an Evacuation Alert or may be affected by an emergency and do not have access to a vehicle. Check in with family, friends and neighbours who may also need help leaving the area. Knowing how everyone will evacuate before an Evacuation Order is issued saves valuable time and helps ensure no one is left behind.
If you need assistance arranging transportation, please contact the SLRD 24/7 Duty Officer at 604-384-7357 as early as possible during an Evacuation Alert. Early notification helps us understand your needs before an Evacuation Order is issued.
Plan where you will stay if an Evacuation Order is issued
Summer is a busy time in the region, and hotels and other accommodations may be limited. Reach out now to family or friends outside your local area who may be able to host you if you need to evacuate. Making these arrangements in advance can reduce stress and help keep limited accommodation options available for people who have nowhere else to go.
FireSmart™ tactics can help reduce the risk of wildfire affecting your property
- Remove leaves, pine needles and other debris from your roof and gutters.
- Mow grass within 10 metres of the house to 10 centimetres in length, or less.
- Clear all dead plants, leaves, and weeds within 10 metres of your home. Maintain a 1.5 metre non-combustible zone around your home and deck.
- Move combustible items that are within 10 metres of your home including items under decks, propane tanks, doormats, patio furniture, firewood, and potted plants. Move everything into your home or garage.
- If you have a large stationary propane tank located on your property, remove all combustible material surrounding it.
- If you have a combustible fence that attaches to your home secure the gate in an open position and clear vegetation and debris along both sides of combustible fence lines.
- Ensure all vents on the home are in good condition and cover dryer vents and wall-mounted make-up air openings for furnaces with a plywood cover, or non-combustible tape. If you store cardboard boxes and other easily ignited materials near a vent in your attic or crawl space, move them as far away as possible from vent(s) and place non-combustible tape over them. If evacuated, be sure to remove tape when you return home.
- Before evacuating: Turn off air conditioning. Close all doors, garage doors, windows, and skylights. Do not turn off gas unless directed to do so, or if you suspect a gas leak.
Support for agricultural producers and ranchers
The SLRD's Agricultural Coordinator is available 24/7 at 604-384-7329 to support agricultural producers and ranchers affected by wildfire or evacuation measures.
We also encourage producers to register for a Premises ID or ensure their information is up to date. A Premises ID helps emergency responders identify the location of animals during an emergency and supports communication during evacuations.
Visit the SLRD Agricultural Emergency Preparedness page for additional resources, including evacuation checklists, livestock relocation information and emergency support resources.