There is now a temporary entry permit process in place for people who need to get back into town.
Coordinated by the PRRD in conjunction with the District of Tumbler Ridge, access will only be granted for people with legitimate needs to enter town. If, for instance, you have livestock that you could not evacuate, you could go in to feed your cows, or evacuate them.
If, on the other hand, you forgot to water your ficus plant, chances are you won’t be allowed in. And if you just want to go gawk? You certainly won’t be allowed in.
According to one local resident who tried to get in to look after his chickens, he was denied. “Unless you’re a registered farm, the requests will be denied.”
If you have pets left behind, the Dawson Creek SPCA has been able to get a certificate, and is able to help. Call 1-855-622-7722 to pass on your information.
Permits are required if requesting access into or via roads that run through an Evacuation Order area. In order to apply for a permit, you must submit a Temporary Entry Permit Application, available on the PRRD website. The PRRD Emergency Operations Centre and BC Wildfire will screen the applications and will assess safety risks on a case-by-case basis. The goal is to review applications for next-day access, and access is based on a safety assessment. If you need to get back into town, you must submit an application before 4:30 pm to be considered for the next day.
If you need assistance or additional information about temporary entry permits, please email EOC.entrypermits@prrd.bc.ca.
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
