Interior Health clients returning to Ashcroft

The Ashcroft residents evacuated on Friday, July 19 are heading home today.

Interior Health (IH) relocated residents on July 19 as a precautionary measure related to the Shetland Creek Wildfire.

IH would like to thank Ashcroft and receiving location staff and partners who supported the safe relocation and return of these individuals. We also want to recognize the ongoing efforts of the BC Wildfire Service and all the regional districts in the Interior region for their efforts to keep individuals and communities safe.

Anyone wishing to confirm their loved one’s current location can call 1-833-469-9800. Call centre operating hours are Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

IH continues to support the wildfire response in our region, and our heartfelt thanks go out to our care partners, first responders, community volunteers, and local and provincial governments across the region.

This is an evolving situation and we are working closely with municipalities, regional districts, and the BC Wildfire Service to ensure precautions are underway to protect patients, clients, and individuals in long-term care.

Those requiring support during this crisis are encouraged to call the BC Crisis Line at 310-6789, KUU-US Indigenous Crisis Services at 1-800-588-8717, or MNBC Métis Crisis Line at 1-833-638-4722.

Everyone is reminded to make preparations for wildfires, and smoky skies as air quality deteriorates by visiting: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-wellness/natural-disasters-and-emergencies/wildfires

Install the BC Wildfire Service mobile app (Android or iOS) or visit the BC Wildfire Service

Dashboard to find information on current wildfire activity: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status

The FireWork Forecast shows maps of predicted smoke impacts over the next 48 hours: https://weather.gc.ca/firework

We will provide updates as new information is available.