Yukon to assist BC fire evacuees

The Government of Yukon received a formal request today from the Province of British Columbia to provide emergency social services support to BC residents who have been impacted by wildfires in the Telegraph Creek area.

The Yukon government is establishing a reception centre in Whitehorse to provide this support to those who need it. Reception centres are already operating in Dease Lake, Iskut and Terrace, BC.

The Whitehorse reception centre will, if required:

  • Coordinate non-medical survival needs.
  • Provide registration and inquiry services.
  • Coordinate lodging and supports.
  • Coordinate alternative shelter for domestic pets.
  • Care for people with special requirements in special care facilities.

The Whitehorse reception centre is located at Vanier Catholic Secondary School at 16 Duke Road. It will open at 8 a.m. on Friday, August 10.

All Telegraph Creek residents who are currently in Yukon are asked to visit the reception centre as soon as possible to register for emergency social services.

Please note that the Whitehorse reception centre is not prepared to accept donations from the public at this time.

Quick facts 
  • Emergency social services may include food, lodging, clothing, emotional support, information about the crisis, and family reunification. There may also be special services like psychosocial support, child minding, and pet care.

  • This effort is coordinated by the Northwest Provincial Regional Emergency Operations Centre (NWPREOC) in Terrace, BC, in partnership with the Government of Yukon's Department of Health and Social Services.

Media contact 

Michael Edwards
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-667-8539
michael.edwards@gov.yk.ca

Reception centre enquiries:
867-332-3179

News release #: 
18-167