Doig River residents return home as evacuation order downgraded to alert

CBC
·1 min read
A wildfire near the Doig River First Nation is pictured from north of Fort St. John, B.C., on Monday. The fire led to an evacuation order for the entire community. (Submitted by Amber McGill - image credit)
A wildfire near the Doig River First Nation is pictured from north of Fort St. John, B.C., on Monday. The fire led to an evacuation order for the entire community. (Submitted by Amber McGill - image credit)

Members of the Doig River First Nation are allowed to return home, a week after they were ordered to evacuate due to the nearby Parker Lake wildfire.

A notice from the nation says the fire risk has diminished due to weather and the work of firefighters. Residents were able to return as of 11:30 a.m. Monday.

The Doig River First Nation reserve is located around 40 kilometres northeast of Fort St. John, B.C., in the province's northeast. Fort St. John is the community currently hosting thousands of wildfire evacuees from Fort Nelson.

Doig River First Nation Chief Trevor Makagahay said on CBC's Radio West Tuesday that many community members had returned home.

"Everybody's got a smile on their face, they're happy that our community didn't burn down. They're just grateful to be home again."

Makagahay said it was difficult evacuating to Fort St. John last week, which was already full with evacuees from Fort Nelson and the Fort Nelson First Nation. He said it was particularly difficult for the elders in the community.

"I think they were really anxious while the fires were going on," said Makagahay.

Residents are urged to stay prepared if another evacuation order is issued, including stocking up on fuel and other essentials like medications, food, and pet supplies.