Securely Travel - BC Map 17 November 2021

Floods and Fires in British Columbia

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Back-to-back atmospheric rivers dumped an extraordinary amount of rain upon the Pacific Northwest, severely affecting northwest Washington State and the northern border Canadian province of British Columbia.

According to the Government of British Columbia, the province currently has 63 evacuation alerts and orders issued (8 Fire and 42 Flood). While the wildfires are currently being effectively managed, the flooding has reached catastrophic proportions. The BC interactive map which provides up-to-date information on the evacuation alerts and orders can be found here: INTERACTIVE BC MAP.

The area of immediate crisis is in the Sumas Prairie region where families have had to evacuate their farms, leaving behind their livestock (the flooded area hosts a large percentage of the dairy and poultry production for the province).

EMERGENCY UPDATE: The City of Abbotsford is issuing an immediate & urgent notice to all residents that did not yet evacuate Sumas Prairie to evacuate immediately. Conditions within Sumas Prairie within the last hour have escalated & pose a significant risk to life. pic.twitter.com/gOl3vIN64G
— Abbotsford Police Department (@AbbyPoliceDept) November 17, 2021

Evacuees in BC should register as soon as possible with the provincial Emergency Support Services (ESS). ESS recommends a go-bag be prepared if you receive an Evacuation Alert - within the bag you should place - clothing, supplies, and essentials and to be sure to include - insurance documents, government identification, medical information with prescriptions and pet information with prescription.

In addition, a large structural fire has broken out within Abbotsford, with police recommending residents stay indoors due to the potential toxicity of the smoke.

Residents in the area (North Parallel & Sumas Mt Road) of the blowing smoke are encouraged to stay indoors due to the potential of the smoke being toxic. Wind is pushing North / West. Assessment is currently in progress. pic.twitter.com/eAVd2u5i87
— Abbotsford Police Department (@AbbyPoliceDept) November 17, 2021

The Royal Canadian Air Force Operations 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron has been active in making evacuations of isolated families happen.

A job well done by @RCAF_ARC’s 442 Transport & Rescue Squadron. Using 3 CH149 helicopters and supported by a CC115 Buffalo, the Sqn evacuated 311 people, 26🐕 and a🐈 to safety in Agassiz after being trapped by landslides on roads in BC. @CFOperations @MARPAC_FMARP @BCGovNews pic.twitter.com/TXPPR7ih9a
— RCAF Operations (@RCAFOperations) November 16, 2021

The city of Hope, has also been effectively isolated due to flooding and landslides. Volunteers in Surrey are preparing 3,000 meals to be airlifted into the city for the residents.

I work at 911 in Vancouver. People who want to help can call 604-864-5688. This line is also for those who have evacuated and have questions.
— T21Mom (@Trisomy21Momma) November 17, 2021

Securely Travel Advice

Unless you are specifically traveling to the province of British Columbia at the request of the government (be it the BC or cities) to assist in the flood and fire situation, you are being asked NOT to travel to the affected areas. Abbotsford Emergency Operations Center issued a request for the public NOT to travel to the Barrowtown pump station as their presence is hampering emergency crew operations.

For those who wish to keep abreast, without hounding their family, friends or colleagues in the area, here are some links to follow for the latest re British Columbia.