Evacuees from Fort Nelson, B.C. wildfires can begin returning home on Monday

Residents of Fort Nelson, B.C., are finally getting the green light to return home after being displaced for over two weeks due to a raging wildfire. More than 4,500 people from Fort Nelson and the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation were forced to evacuate on May 10 as the Parker Lake wildfire threatened their homes.

Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) Mayor Rob Fraser announced on Sunday that residents could start returning at 8 a.m. on Monday morning. While essential workers have been gradually allowed back to restore services, Fraser cautioned against premature returns before the official lifting of the evacuation order.

“We will be putting on an evacuation alert because there are still some fires out there,” Fraser warned during a livestreamed news conference. “The conditions around the region are still extremely dry.”

The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) also issued a warning, stating that volatile wildfire conditions are expected to persist due to severe drought in the region. Fire behaviour analyst Eric Kopetski emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by firefighters in combating the blazes.

In addition to the Parker Lake wildfire, crews are battling the larger Patry Creek wildfire located north of the community. BCWS incident commander Hugh Murdoch expressed concerns about the early start to the fire season and the prevalence of holdover fires from previous years.

The Parker Lake wildfire has scorched 123 square kilometers, while the Patry Creek wildfire spans approximately 643 square kilometers. Despite the progress in containing the fires, Fraser urged returning residents to exercise caution and patience as businesses gradually resume operations.

While some properties in Fort Nelson suffered damage, the Fort Nelson First Nation reported no structural losses but noted damage to culturally significant areas. The community is committed to rebuilding these assets in collaboration with stakeholders.

As residents prepare to return, Fraser assured that essential services like water, sewer, electricity, and police support have been largely restored. Medical services will be reinstated in phases, with the Northern Health Authority advising residents to consider delaying their return if specialized healthcare is needed.

With emergency department services resuming at the Fort Nelson General Hospital, the community is on the path to recovery, albeit with ongoing challenges posed by the wildfires and the region’s arid conditions.