An evacuation order has been lifted for the community of Tumbler Ridge, B.C., nine days after more than 2,000 residents were forced out by an encroaching wildfire. The West Kiskatinaw River wildfire (G70645) in the District of Tumbler Ridge, B.C., is shown in this handout image provided by the BC Wildfire Service, Thursday, June 8, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, BC Wildfire Service *MANDATORY CREDIT*
An evacuation order has been lifted for the community of Tumbler Ridge, B.C., after more than 2,000 residents were forced out by an encroaching wildfire last week.
A statement on the District of Tumbler Ridge website says an evacuation alert will remain in place indefinitely.
It says residents will still need to be ready to evacuate the area with little notice.
Residents were chased out on June 8 as a fast-moving fire approached the community.
Recent rain and a change in the winds has calmed the West Kiskatinaw wildfire, although it remains classified as out of control.
For returning residents, DriveBC, the provincial government’s online travel information site, says Highway 52-N has reopened between Dawson Creek and Tumbler Ridge, and residents will also be able to use highways 29S and 52E, via the Kelly Lake Road.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15.
