X
Board & Meetings
Agendas & MinutesAppear as a DelegationBylawsRegional BoardUpcoming Board and Committee Meetings
Online Services
A to Z DirectoryCurbside Collection SchedulesElectronic Billing and Payment InformationMappingRecycle - What Goes Where?Utilities Property Info Search Tool
Popular Links
2018 General Local ElectionsBylaw Violation ReportingEmergency ServicesEmploymentGrantsRebatesRoad Maintenance / Snow PlowingTransit SchedulesWater Restrictions
Recreation
Active Living GuideAdmission RatesCamp in the RDNOceanside Place ArenaOnline RegistrationRavensong Aquatic CentreRDN YouthUpcoming Recreation Events

News Release - August 6, 2018

Evacuation Order and Alert Issued for Nanaimo Lakes Wildfire

Posted: August 6, 2018 at 8:45pm

As of 7:45pm August 6, 2018, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has declared a state of local emergency, issuing an evacuation order and alert due to the Nanaimo Lakes Wildfire. Image 1

Order

The RDN has been advised of the imminent danger of wildfire to homes west of the Nanaimo Lakes Fire, in the area outlined in red below. The fire potentially threatens the life and property of persons resident or present in this area.

Please leave this area immediately, the RCMP will be enforcing this order.

Alert

The alert is for 77 residences for an area east of the fire, area outlined in yellow below. These residences will be notified by RCMP, going door to door. Image 2
Evacuation Alert for the following areas:

Elk Trails Way from 2515-2630
Nanaimo River Road from 1565-2665
South Forks Road from 2375-2710
Twilight Way from 2728-2796

Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however, you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN AN ALERT IS IN EFFECT

Upon notification of an ALERT, you should be prepared for the evacuation order by:
  • Locating all family members or co-workers and designate at an agreed to meeting place, outside the evacuation area, should an evacuation be called while separated.
  • Gathering essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs, etc.). Have these items readily available for quick departure.
  • Preparing to move any disabled persons and/or children.
  • Moving pets and livestock to a safe area.
  • Arranging to transport your household members or co-workers in the event of an evacuation order. If you need transportation assistance from the area please call 911.
  • Arranging accommodation for your family if possible. In the event of an evacuation, Reception Centres will be opened if required.
The wildfire is located in the Nanaimo Lakes area near Nanaimo River Road, which is located in Electoral Area C. The wildfire was reported the evening of Aug 5, 2018, the cause is under investigation.

As last reported by the Coastal Wildfire Centre late this afternoon, the wildfire is 75 hectares and remains burning out of control. Air tankers were also brought in today to assist with this fire, in addition to the 36 personnel and 2 pieces of heavy machinery fighting on ground and 5 helicopters fighting in the air.

We will continue to provide updates as they become available on our website, Facebook and Twitter.

The Coastal Fire Region is currently in a high to extreme rating and all campfires are banned. The hot and dry weather is expected to continue for the next few days, therefore extreme caution is recommended. BC Wildfire relies on the public to help locate wildfires. Report wildfires to *5555 on a cell or 1 800 663-5555 toll-free.

The BC Wildfire Service also provides wildfire updates through their interactive mapping tool.

Air quality information is also provided on the Wildfire Service website.

~~ 30 ~~