The Regional District of Nanaimo has announced the current evacuation order and alert related to the Wesley Ridge wildfire has been removed.
In a press release, the RDN said that as of 6 p.m. on Aug. 16, the following are in effect:
• The evacuation order for 35 properties that were on order has been lifted;
• The evacuation alert for 268 properties that were on alert has been lifted;
"We are pleased that the remaining residents can now return home thanks to the incredible work of the wildfire response team and those behind the scenes," read the release. "Updates to the evacuation order and alert areas are made based on recommendations from the BC Wildfire Service about wildfire activity. In addition, hazards caused by the fire and firefighting equipment that are still present in the area are also considered before updates are made. We ask that the public continue avoiding the areas damaged by the wildfire."
Reminders from the RDN:
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Returning home after a wildfire can be overwhelming. The area may look different and wildfire operations are still taking place. Re-entry information and links to resources are available to support residents affected by the Wesley Ridge Wildfire at rdn.bc.ca/wesleyridgewildfire.
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Please note the Resilience Centre and the Reception Centre are now closed. However, residents can access local or online supports at rdn.bc.ca/wesleyridgewildfire.
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Emergency Support Services have been extended until Monday, Aug. 18 at 11 a.m. More information is available at rdn.bc.ca/wesleyridgewildfire.
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View past order, alert, Q&A’s and more at rdn.bc.ca/current-alerts or contact the RDN Emergency Operations Centre at 250-390-6538 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with any questions.
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Support is also available from the BC Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789.
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Evacuees can reach out to BC Hydro at 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376) to determine if there was a loss of power at their home.
