August 20, 2021

Update from Mayor Ward Stamer

In consultation with Emergency Management BC (EMBC), BC Wildfire Service, Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) and District of Barriere Council & Staff, and after a follow-up call with the Incident Commander of the nearby Sparks Lake fire, I am pleased to report that we have rescinded the Evacuation Alert (effective 0800hrs August 20, 2021 as posted) that was put in place on Monday morning for all properties within the municipal boundary of Barriere. 

The weather has been more cooperative over the last few days with cooler temperatures and some precipitation is expected this weekend so our situation has improved. 

We will continue to monitor the fire’s behavior with daily discussions with BC Wildfire Service and the TNRD and will remain at an EOC Level 1 as per the District of Barriere’s Emergency Plan.  

I want to thank our Fire Department and Emergency Responders for staying actively engaged in helping to keep our community safe along with everyone else working behind the scenes in this challenging summer. 

Have a great weekend.

 ~ Mayor Stamer

Click here for a PDF version of a map showing the approximate proximity of the Sparks Lake fire to Barriere. 

Previous Updates: 

August 17, 2021 - Update from Mayor Ward Stamer 

With the Evacuation Alert issued yesterday, you and your household should now be prepared to leave should it become necessary. While I don’t believe our community is in any immediate, dire danger that would result in a sudden evacuation order, this nearby fire (Sparks Lake Fire) is very large and has proven to be unpredictable at times.  I recently had an opportunity to have my eyes on the fire with our EOC Director/CAO, Bob Payette.  It remains a good distance away from us and natural geography may have the potential to slow its progression towards us, but it is still nearly 96,000 hectares in size and it will continue to pose a threat to our area depending on weather conditions. Today I’ll be speaking with the Incident Commander of the Sparks Lake Fire to get his current, boots-on-the-ground analysis of this significant fire. 

Our volunteer fire personnel are actively engaged in community protection & communication. I’d like to thank these men & women for their pro-active role in the hand-delivery of the alert notices and taking the time to answer resident questions.  As a reminder, if you do not have a reliable mode of transportation, touch base with a local friend, relative or neighbour to make arrangements for a ride should it be necessary. If this option is not available to you, contact our office at (250) 672-9751 to have your name put on a list so that emergency personnel know that you may need assistance in the event of an evacuation order.

Remember to stay informed with trusted sources of information such as the TNRD, District of Barriere and Provincial websites and please be wary of social media posts that do not directly link their information to these trusted sources as misinformation can be dangerous, albeit often unintentionally.  Oh! And don’t forget to register on the District’s new website for E-News updates. It’s a great feature. 

We will continually monitor this fire’s movement and will reassess the Alert notice over the next few days. 

I’d like to express a heartfelt thank you to the fire & emergency personnel on the front lines as well as to the staff behind the scenes at the TNRD and BC Wildfire Service experts who work around the clock to keep us all safe and informed.  I also need to express sincere appreciation for the support, kind words and offers of assistance from our neighbours in Clearwater, Chu Chua, Chase and many others. But most of all, I want to thank our residents for their resiliency.  I’ve checked in with many residents over these past few days and while many are understandably on edge, the camaraderie and support of one another is honestly very inspiring. 

Thank you. 

  ~ Mayor Stamer

Previous Update: 

July 20, 2021 Message from Mayor Stamer

Today, the Province has finally declared a Provincial State of Emergency due to the wildfires and extreme dry conditions experienced that are putting many communities at risk. 

District Council, staff, fire personnel, Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) Emergency Management team, RCMP, ESS and other stakeholders in Barriere continue to closely monitor conditions in the area as well as discuss and review plans for various scenarios should they arise. There are things that you can do yourself to ensure you and your family are prepared should an evacuation alert or order be placed on the community: 

• Review the links posted below - including the Get Prepared Wildfire page 
• Start by downloading a fill-in-the-blanks emergency plan. It will compile the vital information you’ll need and establish how you’ll communicate and connect with loved ones, particularly if you become separated. When you’re done, make copies for grab-and-go bags at home, at work and in your vehicle.
• Make a plan for any household pets
• Discuss a plan with your friends, family and/or neighbours and ask for, or offer, assistance should it be needed. 
• If you do not have a reliable mode of transportation, touch base with a local friend, relative or neighbour to make arrangements for a ride should it be necessary. If this option is not available to you, contact the District of Barriere at (250) 672-9751 to have your name put on a list so that emergency personnel know that you may need assistance in the event of an evacuation order. 
• Ensure that you have a list of all your (and your household family members) important documents and medication easily accessible should you need to leave in a hurry. 
• Keep fuel in your vehicle 
• Let your friends/family/neighbours know if you leave town for any length of time in case an evacuation order is given so no one is unnecessarily looking for you. 

Once you are prepared, stay informed with trusted sources of information such as the TNRD, District of Barriere and Provincial websites. Be wary of social media posts that do not directly link their information to these trusted sources as misinformation can be dangerous, albeit often unintentionally.  Should the District of Barriere be placed on an evacuation order or alert, NOTICE will be placed on the District website immediately and additional notice processes will be followed as described below under the heading "Evacuation Procedures." 

It is now more important than ever to conserve water! This message is currently being voiced by not just the District of Barriere, but by most communities in BC at the moment but it is especially important for us with the vulnerable state of our water system. It is understandable that the instinct may be to ignore current water restrictions and soak everything around our homes. However, this can backfire and leave our community even more at risk.  The District's Fire Department and Utilities staff are balancing the need to mitigate wildfire risks in strategic areas of town while also conserving water so that there is water available to fire crews should it be needed. 

This has been said a lot lately by people all across the globe but it remains just as true: "We are all in this together." Remember, we are all on the same team so let's be kind to one another and as Clearwater Mayor, Merlin Blackwell, said so well: "Let's help each other out." 

Thank you. 

- Mayor Ward Stamer