Prince George, B.C. – There is good news for the 80 people affected by the two-week-old evacuation order instituted in the Norman Lake area two days after the outbreak of the Little Bobtail Lake wildfire.

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George advises that as of 8 o’clock this morning the evacuation order has been downgraded to an evacuation alert.  Property owners in the evacuation order area may now return to their property, but are advised to prepare themselves for evacuation in the event the fire again threatens their property and/or personal safety.

The downgrading follows the significant progress made in containing the fire over recent days.  The regional district notes that the evacuation alert for Berman Lake, Bednesti Lake and the Dahl Lake Road area remains in effect.

Should interface fire conditions unexpectedly change, the regional district may require immediate evacuation to ensure the safety of residents and front line responders.

Regional District map identifies Evacuation Alert area

Residents in the alert area are asked to prepare themselves in the event that an evacuation is required and immediately take the following actions to help prevent damage to home, property and to prepare for personal safety:

-gather important papers and move valuables to alternate locations;

•-make arrangements for pets to be moved to a safe location;

-make arrangements for livestock for a safe alternative location in case an evacuation order is issued

– prepare a 72-hour personal emergency kit for you and your family; remember to include any necessary medications in your kit.

There were 130 properties within the evacuation order area, with less than 10 of those being year-round residences.

For more information and updates on evacuation alerts and orders within the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George boundaries, visit www.rdffg.bc.ca