Prince George, B.C. – The City of Prince George is increasing the number of volunteers being deployed each day to aid the evacuees arriving here from the Cariboo.

The latest wildfire update from the City indicates that, as a result of Williams Lake residents arriving here in the wake of the evacuation order issued there Saturday night, an additional 25 volunteers are being deployed daily, some devoted to a mobile registration team.

Overnight the City boosted the number of volunteers at the Emergency Reception Centre and initiated traffic controls on major roads to direct evacuees to areas where they could rest following their drive here.  Those requiring a bed were sent to the Northern Sport Centre while RV traffic was sent to the parking lot at CN Centre.

Prior to the Williams Lake exodus 7,300 Cariboo evacuees had registered in Prince George, more than 600 of them requiring lodging at CNC and the Northern Sport Centre.  As yet there is no information on the number of evacuees who have arrived from Williams Lake.

Approximately 1,500 people here have registered as volunteers and the City has been deploying 50 volunteers every four hours for a total of 300 a day since the Volunteer PG Centre opened at the Civic Centre last Thursday.    The volunteer schedule is now fully staffed for the next week.

Northern Health is expanding services and hours at local health clinics:

-The Health Service Management Clinic at CNC is open Monday-Sunday from 8 am to 11 pm with 24-hour nurse availability.

-Nechako Medical Clinic at Spruceland Mall (761 Central) is open Monday-Friday 1 pm to 9 pm, Saturday 9 am to 7 pm and Sunday 10 am to 7 pm.

-Salveo Medical Clinic in the Real Canadian Superstore (2155 Ferry Ave) is open Monday-Friday 8 am to 7 pm and Sunday 9 am to 3 pm.