'We'll look after you': Locals feeding, housing Fort Nelson evacuees
With thousands evacuating Fort Nelson due to a wildfire encroaching on the town, nearby communities are opening their doors to those who’ve had their lives turned upside down in a matter of moments.
Evacuees have been flooding to communities like Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Prince George and anywhere else that will take them.
About a two-and-a-half hours’ drive south of Fort Nelson, Pink Mountain's local inn is busy.
Staff at the Buffalo Inn scrambled to action when the evacuation orders came, opening their doors.
They have around 60 guests so far and expect more.
"They were putting rooms online, cleaning, baking, putting food out, getting people checked in,” said owner Melody Magaton.
“A lot of very upset people, people that are very uncertain of what's happening in their lives, it's just been unbelievable how everyone has pulled together.”
Magaton said even evacuees have been eager to lend a hand.
On Monday, the Buffalo Inn was approved by the B.C. government as a vendor so they could help more people, after already welcoming many surprise guests over the weekend. People needing assistance can sign up at the emergency support centre in Fort St. John, though Magaton added she’ll take in anyone.
“We won’t turn anybody away, that’s for sure.”
Meanwhile, other people from Fort Nelson have been trying to help, even from afar.
North Paw Animal Rescue told CTV News over the weekend many Fort Nelson residents had to leave pets behind as they scrambled to get out.
The small rescue and volunteers were coordinating over the weekend between pet owners and people still in town who could help feed animals or take them away with them. But their resources are limited and too many people need help.
‘The fire ended up getting really close'
Some residents have stayed behind. A group of volunteer firefighters are still in town waiting to spring into action if needed.
Other locals, like Cheyanne Lynch, said for now they’re safe and plan to stay.
She’s with two others and a gaggle of dogs at her home, about 30 kilometers out of Fort Nelson.
Lynch initially stayed to help her family.
“I had to go back to my mom’s house where the fire originally started because she needed some medication and I had to go clean out her freezer and make sure everything looked good there,” she said.
“But the fire ended up getting really close to us so we were able to just get in and get out and grab what we needed.”
She said right now it’s hard to get back into Fort Nelson. When she has ventured back, the town was uncharacteristically quiet.
Lynch, like many, is stuck waiting for more news. She said she’s staying put for now.
In surrounding areas, locals have been offering help such as free day care and gym passes, discounts at stores and free barbeques. Some First Nations are welcoming evacuees.
But for those still without a place, or some stragglers from Fort Nelson, the Buffalo Inn has vacancies.
“If you can’t get to Fort St. John, don’t sleep in your vehicle, don't go hungry, go to Buffalo Inn,” Magaton said.
She said anyone looking for a room can call or text her at (250) 731-6747.
“We’ll look after you.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
AS IT HAPPENED Wildfire reaches Jasper Wednesday night, causes 'significant loss'
One of two wildfires threatening Jasper National Park reached the townsite Wednesday night and caused 'significant loss.'
Alberta calls in army to assist with wildfire situation
Alberta has called in the Canadian Armed Forces to help assist with the worsening wildfire situation in the province.
Biden explains why he ended re-election bid in Oval Office address
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
Norad intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers operating together near Alaska in apparent first
The North American Aerospace Defence Command (Norad) intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers flying near Alaska Wednesday in what appears to be the first time the two countries have been intercepted while operating together.
2 Canadians being 'sent home immediately,' removed from Olympic team after drone incident
An analyst and an assistant coach with Canada Soccer are being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and 'sent home immediately,' according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
An unwelcome attendee has joined the Paris Olympic Games: COVID-19
After a handful of Australian water polo players tested positive for COVID-19 this week, questions have emerged around how the spread of the disease will be mitigated at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Vacations, meals, booze: Contractor used $100K of charity's money for personal expenses, B.C. court finds
A B.C. man who was hired to help a non-profit build a food hub but instead spent the money on personal expenses – including travel, restaurants, booze and cannabis – has been ordered to pay more than $120,000 in damages.
Male, female killed, 2 others injured in 'gun battle' outside Toronto plaza: police
Two people are dead and two others suffered serious injuries following a shooting that police have described as a 'gun battle' outside a plaza in Scarborough, Ont. early Wednesday morning.