Brunswick Complex Wildfire FAQs

Here are some answers to questions that our EOC call centre has been receiving. Check back often as this page will be updated with new information.

  1. If I have been evacuated, where can I get support and when is it available?

    You can self-register for Emergency Support Services (ESS) 24/7 at https://ess.gov.bc.ca/

    If you need assistance registering for ESS, contact the BC Evacuee Helpline at 1-800-387-4258 from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

    ESS registration is available in-person at Shxwhá:y Village and Seabird Island. Hours may vary. Call the BC Evacuee Helpline for information or the FVRD EOC at 778-704-0400.

    Shxwhá:y Village, 44680 Schweyey Road, Chilliwack.

    Seabird Island, 2895 Chowat Road, Agassiz. A range of resources are available including Group Lodging, Traditional Wellness and Health staff, and supports for animals through Canadian Disaster Animal Response Unit Team.

  2. I don't understand how Emergency Support Services works. Can you explain the program?

    Emergency Support Services (ESS) provides short-term emergency support and information to individuals and households evacuated due to a nearby hazard or disaster. ESS provides safety-net supports on a case-by-case basis for underinsured people displaced by an emergency.

    To determine eligibility for ESS supports, evacuees must connect with an ESS responder at a designated Reception Centre, either virtually or in person, to complete a needs assessment. If deemed eligible, and if proof of address is provided, the evacuee may be issued referral vouchers for one or more of the following emergency supports: food, clothing, lodging, and incidentals.

    ESS is a referral-based program and does not provide cash or reimburse evacuees for expenses. Emergency shelter may be provided on cots or air mattresses in open gymnasiums or community centres. If you have been evacuated due to an interface wildfire, contact your home or tenant insurance provider to report the evacuation order and ask about available coverage and supports.

    Residents of the FVRD electoral area with a verified address within an evacuation order area may be eligible for remote ESS supports on a case-by-case basis.

  3. My Emergency Support Services (ESS) support is set to expire today. What should I do next?

    If you are currently receiving ESS support and are still under an evacuation order, additional support may be available.

    • If you received support by e-transfer: Call the ESS Helpline at 1-800-387-4258 to extend supports, if you are unable to access or receive supports through the ESS Helpline, you can visit the Shxwhá:y Village or the Seabird Island Centres to apply for a new referral or support extension or you can contact the reception centre by phone at 250-640-9168 (please do not leave a voicemail, call back if there is no answer).  
    • If you received support through a paper referral: Visit the Shxwhá:y Village or the Seabird Island Centres in person to apply for a new referral.

    For any questions or further information, please call the BC Evacuee Helpline at 1-800-387-4258.

  4. I would like to go home to check on something, how do I get a Temporary Access Pass today?

    Temporary Access Pass requests are currently suspended as per the direction from the Ministry of Transportation and Transit. The decision reflects current public safety concerns and operational requirements associated with travel along Highway 1. The Ministry of Transportation and Transit makes decisions about highway closures, access, and is coordinating these decisions with FVRD and BC Wildfire Service during the Brunswick Complex Wildfire. 

  5. I'm on evacuation order and I want to get back in to protect my property. If the highway is open to traffic, will I be allowed to go through the roadblock?

    We understand you have concerns about the things you have left behind. Unfortunately, it is not safe for you to enter an evacuation order area. Only authorized personnel and firefighting crews are allowed to go through the roadblock at this time. RCMP have deployed increased resources to the area to support public safety.

    Check DriveBC for up-to-date information on highway road conditions.

  6. I have evacuated. How is my home being protected from looting or suspicious activity?

    We have security personnel patrolling evacuated areas and working with the RCMP to monitor for suspicious activity. Checkpoints have been set up to restrict access to the area.

    If you are still in an Evacuation Order area, you must leave immediately. Aside from leaving the Evacuation Order area, you are not permitted to travel around within the Evacuation Order area. Doing so puts your safety and the safety of emergency responders at risk.

  7. What is the current status of the fire?

    BC Wildfire regularly updates its Dashboard with information about wildfires around the Province of British Columbia. You can download the official BC Wildfire Service mobile app for free download in the App Store and on Google Play or visit their website. You can also check out FVRD's Incident Map.

  8. Why is the hydro going out?

    During an emergency, hydro is often de-energized to ensure firefighter and first responder safety and to prevent future fire start ups. Residents under evacuation alert should expect intermittent power outages.

  9. I am in the Evacuation Alert area and would like to protect my property from fire. What can I do?

    Personal emergency preparedness is a high priority when you're on Evacuation Alert. In addition to making sure you have all of the things you might need in the event of an Evacuation Order, you may also want to consider FireSmart actions you can take with your property. Here are some helpful documents that you can use to prepare your property that may help reduce the risk of wildfire. 

    Emergency Wildfire Preparedness Checklist [PDF - 87 KB]

    Tips for Preparing Your Home [PDF - 543 KB]

    Wildland Fire Evacuation Checklist [PDF - 509 KB]

  10. My garbage is piling up. Where can I take my garbage?

    The Hope Transfer Station, located at 22970 Trans-Canada Highway, Hope, is currently accepting household garbage, recycling, and organics from residents of FVRD Electoral Area A and neighbouring First Nations communities while the Chaumox Landfill remains closed due to the Evacuation Order.

    The transfer station is open Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. ID must be shown and tipping fees apply.

  11. I am on well water. Is my water safe?

    While the FVRD does not have jurisdiction over wells, the following information is available to help residents take appropriate precautions and access accurate resources for their wells.

    The Fraser Health Authority advises if a wildfire has occurred close to your well or property, do not use your well water. It may be contaminated by:

    • fire-suppressants
    • ashes from burned materials
    • toxic chemicals from melted well parts
    • contaminants released from: stored fuel, heating oil tanks, damaged septic tanks
    • chemical released by the combustion of soil and wood

     

    If you own a well that supplies water to only one connection, such as a private household, you are responsible for testing your water to confirm it is safe to drink. Wells should be flushed, disinfected, and inspected before testing the water quality. Water samples can then be sent to a qualified laboratory for testing.

    If you have questions about your well water or water testing, contact the Fraser Health drinking water program at HPLand@fraserhealth.ca or 604-870-7900 to be connected with a Drinking Water Environmental Health Officer.

    Helpful resources:

  12. The fire is in so many communities. Which EOC should I call? Who is going to tell me what to do?

    If you are in Electoral Area A or Electoral Area B, call the FVRD EOC Public Information Line at 778-704-0400 or visit fvrd.ca/eoc for information.

    If you live on First Nation lands, follow direction from your community leadership.

    Not sure which jurisdiction you are in? Use the FVRD Web Map to confirm your location. You can also visit EmergencyInfoBC for current, verified emergency information in B.C.