About Us
Helping communities in Electoral Area E prepare for and respond to wildfires and other emergencies.
About CERS
Chinook Emergency Response Society (CERS) was established by a small group of volunteers in the aftermath of the 2018 wildfires that devastated land south of Francois Lake. On July 31st , lightning strikes started the Verdun and Nadina fires, and on August 8th the first evacuation orders were issued. These orders lasted into well into September, impacting over a thousand residents on the Southside and in the Colleymount area.
While some local residents stayed behind to protect their properties and help their neighbors, most transported their animals long distances and lived away from their homes for over a month. When the orders were lifted, many of these residents returned to find their homes and outbuildings damaged or destroyed, their forests gone and the landscape drastically altered.
That fall and winter, a small group of volunteers created CERS to ensure that their communities were better prepared in the future. They continue this work today with the help of local residents and volunteers, and in partnership with BC Wildfire Services, First Nations and local government.
To date, CERS has successfully set up cellular service signs in the area, delivered S100 training courses, and established wildfire response trailers and Neighbourhood Pods to help residents respond to wildfire and other emergencies.
Community volunteers actioned 27 wildfires in 2023.
Our Mission is to assist community members and businesses in the Electoral Area E to respond and react to any and all emergency situations.
Who Can Join? If you live or operate a business within Electoral Area E of the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, and you are interested in helping to make your community stronger and more resilient, we invite you to join us!
What We Do
Communication
CERS sets up communication and information systems for all community members. They work with local residents, First Nations and existing government organizations to ensure that there is a community voice represented in the event of an emergency.
Education
The society organizes and participates in community education events including FireSmart, S100 training and Wildfire Preparedness Day.
Coordination
CERS organizes and compiles a list of community information and assets that can be utilized during emergencies.

