Wesley Ridge Wildfire Information

Cameron, Horne, and Spider Lakes are all available for use, the public Horne Lake Boat Launch is now open.

All RDN parks and trails that were closed due to the Wesley Ridge Wildfire have reopened. For up-to-date info, check HERE.

Good news! All orders and alerts have been rescinded! See the Public Notice for additional information.

RDN Frequently Asked Questions: LINK

Facebook Group “Vancouver Island Fire Support and Accommodations” – community members offering support to first responders and evacuees. Link remains in consideration of the Mount Underwood Wildfire.

Resiliency Services Support

Residents impacted by the Wesley Ridge Wildfire can find support through the following organizations:

United Way British Columbia

• • Sometimes we all need extra support. Think about asking for more help if you are finding daily life difficult, especially when it is a few weeks after the crisis.
  • You might also find you are better able to help others when you are doing well yourself.
  • Visit uwbc.ca/emergency-response-resources for a variety of resources available and view the Emergencies are Stressful brochure.

Parksville Salvation Army

• • Impacted residents can visit the Parksville Salvation Army located at 886 Wembley Road for food and other family services support.
  • The Salvation Army will have a small supply of clean up kits available.
  • Phone 250-248-8793 with any questions.
  • You can also visit parksvillesalvationarmy.ca/ for general information about the Parksville Salvation Army.

Society of Organized Services (SOS)

• • SOS provides support for residents of District 69 facing unexpected hardships or financial emergency.
  • Examples of assistance may include:
    • Food – essential groceries
    • Propane for cooking and heat
    • Laundry

In addition, the SOS shower program enables residents to come out of the heat or cold and enjoy a shower, complete with towels, toiletries and hygiene items. This FREE program runs Monday to Thursday, 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. and is first come, first served.

• • Limited support with prescription medications
  • Change of clothes/basic supplies from SOS Thrift Shop
  • Advocacy, including filling out government paperwork, printing, copying, and faxing

View SOS programs and services online. Email sos@sosd69.com or call 250-248-2093

Health Emergency Management BC

• • Wildfires and wildfire smoke can pose a health risk for residents, especially those with health conditions, young children or seniors.
  • For information to help you reduce your personal health risk, visit: islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/environment/wildfires
  • Residents can also visit the general Island Health website to search for the service they need at islandhealth.ca/our-services.

If you are in urgent need of medical care, please call 911. If you require health care advice for a non-urgent concern, call HealthLink BC at 811.

Mental Health Supports:

• Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1‑888‑494‑3888 (24/7) vicrisis.ca/
• Immediate Mental Health Support: 310-6789 bc.cmha.ca/mental-health/find-help/
• Kuu-us Crisis Line (Indigenous Crisis and Support Line): 1-800-588-8717 kuu-uscrisisline.com/
• BC Seniors’ Distress Line: 604-872-1234
• Kid’s Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 kidshelpphone.ca
• National Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8 or 1-800-784-2433 988.ca/
• Resource Connections United Way BC: 2-1-1 bc.211.ca/getting-started-with-211/
• Virtual Mental Health Supports: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/…/virtual-mental-health-supports

THANK YOU to all the firefighting crews, support teams, and anyone who is helping in whatever way they can.

Thank you to the RDN for the resource information.