Prince George, B.C.- The Regional District of Fraser Fort George has issued an evacuation alert for the Norman Lake area  because of a  wildfire burning in the area.

The evacuation alert   involves not only those  along  Norman Lake,  but  Bednesti Lake as well.   RDFFG spokesperson, Rene McCloskey  says  the Emergency Operations Centre estimates there are 260 residences in the area but the exact number of people involved  is not yet  known.

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.

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George’s Emergency Operations Centre is open and will provide resources and/or assistance to residents regarding wildland interface fire awareness and preparedness.

The public is asked to visit the RDFFG website www.rdffg.bc.ca and Facebook page for updated information

The BC Wildfire Service  has more than two dozen  firefighters,  two  helicopters and an air tanker working the  fire which,  at last report,  was about  2 kms northwest of Norman Lake, and was about 10 hectares in size.

Smoke from this fire may be visible from Highway 16 and surrounding communities.

Additionally, airtankers and helicopters that are picking up water from Norman Lake need plenty of room to manoeuvre, therefore recreational boaters are asked to stay away from areas where they are operating.