Prince George, B.C. - Prince George Fire Rescue Service personnel are notifying residents of the Delhaven residential complex that rising waters might prompt issuance of an evacuation order.

Delhaven residents were issued evacuation alerts earlier this week when an ice jam formed at the confluence of the Fraser River and Nechako River. A local state of emergency was declared late Monday night, and a total of 13 homes were evacuated on Pulp Mill Road and River Road Tuesday. Evacuation alerts were issued to about 50 properties, including the Delhaven complex, on Tuesday as well.

The Nechako has risen and fallen near Delhaven over the course of the past three days, but rising waters Friday prompted Fire Rescue to post a 24-hour watch on the river level at that location. Residents are being notified individually to remind them that they remain on evacuation alert. If waters rise further this evening, an evacuation order will be issued to those residents at risk.

A reception centre has been set up at the Prince George Civic Centre for those people evacuated because of the flooding. As of 6 p.m. Friday, nine people had registered at the reception centre and two placed at alternative lodging by the City. Others evacuated have taken refuge with friends or family.

The City would like to remind people who are subject to the state of local emergency issued earlier this week that given the unpredictability of the ice jam, they should be making preliminary preparations to evacuate should that become necessary. People receiving an evacuation alert should be aware that an evacuation order can come at any time and they should be prepared to leave their residences on very short notice.

The City would also like to remind citizens to stay well clear of the Nechako River. The ice jam condition can cause dramatic fluctuations in river levels. As well, people are reminded to stay off the ice. Ice forming the jam is soft, unstable and subject to shifting without notice. It is very dangerous, even near shore, and cannot be relied on the support any weight.

The ice jam expanded to reach Aspen Lane on Friday. Ice flowing downstream continues to join the west end of the jam.

The City has established a volunteer registry for citizens who wish to help those affected by the rising waters to fill and place sandbags. Please contact the Service Centre at 561-7600 for further information on how to register. It is important to register through the Service Centre if you wish to become a volunteer.