Fox Creek evacuation order lifted

The evacuation order for Fox Creek has been lifted.

According to a Town of Fox Creek Facebook post, as of noon Wednesday, residents will be allowed to do a staggered re-entry into the community.

This will be the first time some residents will be allowed to return home since the evacuation order was put in place on May 5.

“It has been two and a half of the longest weeks of my life. For two and a half weeks I watched my team work day in and day out to do whatever they could think of to protect and save our community. The hours were long, and the work was hard, but to be able to welcome you all home with very little damage to Fox Creek is something I did not think was going to be possible a couple of weeks ago. To say I am proud of the work that was done in our community would be an understatement,” said Chief Brian Davidson Fox Creek Fire Department in an open letter.

Despite this, residents are to note, there are still two active out-of-control wildfires close to Fox Creek. The entire community will remain under an evacuation alert as a result.

All residents are advised to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

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Firefighting work will continue on the Eagle Fire Complex. These efforts are to maintain fire containment guards and to address priority hotspots.

“Please remember to be respectful of any equipment that may still be out. Stay away from any areas that have been burned—it is still dangerous. We will be living with an active wildfire right on our doorstep for the remainder of the summer. While I know this is not what you want to hear, please be ready to go on very short notice should we have to make that call again. I know that leaving your home is not something that is easy to do, but if the day comes that you are asked again, please take it seriously and know that there is still a threat right next to town,” Davidson continued.

“However, because of the protective guards in place and the moisture that we have received, right now, it is safe for you to be home. Enjoy your families and being together, enjoy your summer and the fun that it always brings and remember to be grateful for what we have.”

Returning home

Those returning home are asked by officials to look at the map below for details on re-entry.

Fox Creek re-entry map. May 24, 2023. (Photo Credit: Facebook/ @townoffoxcreek)

Roads will be open at 9 p.m. for normal traffic flow.

Officials are asking drivers not to “slow down or stop on the roads to observe burned areas” and to use caution as fires continue to burn in the area.

In addition, it is advised that vehicles are fully fueled and that residents pick up a few days’ worth of groceries prior to returning home.

Residents are asked to read their community re-entry information booklet prior to returning and complete their checklist.

Medical needs

For those with medical conditions, the Fox Creek Hospital remain open and EMS will also remain available.

Those with medical conditions, or who anticipate a need for the emergency department should choose to delay their return until full hospital services resume.