Care home evacuees begin returning to 100 Mile House

More than 100 care home residents are returning to 100 Mile House now that Flat Lake wildfire evacuation alerts have been lifted.

In the coming days, Interior Health will transport 124 residents who had been evacuated back to 100 Mile House from Merritt, Kamloops, Salmon Arm and Williams Lake, according to an IH press release.

Yesterday, 100 Mile House lifted its evacuation alert and the Cariboo Regional District has downgraded its evacuation order. The Thompson Nicola Regional District also downgraded and order to an alert for properties in Electoral Area E.

Repatriation will occur gradually to ensure appropriate staffing and resources are in place when residents return home. Families will be notified directly as their family members are moved back, according to the health authority.

Anyone wishing to confirm their family member's evacuated location can call 1-877-442-2001.

The 100 Mile District General Hospital was not evacuated due to the wildfire.

"Interior Health continues to monitor wildfire activity across the health authority. Wildfire planning and actions include supporting anyone who may be in isolation due to COVID-19. We will ensure separate arrangements are made for anyone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 to protect the public from potential exposure," according to the health authority.

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