The CEO of Interior Health has paid tribute to the hundreds of employees who stepped up during the devastating wildfires that have ravaged the region.

Chris Mazurkewich said more than 800 clients, patients and residents, "an unprecedented number," were forced to evacuate from hospitals and care homes.

"We’ve seen our own staff, along with physicians, emergency responders, First Nations, social services agencies, churches, charitable organizations, universities, businesses, and individual citizens come forward to ensure these vulnerable people are kept safe and comfortable," Mazurkewich said in an email sent to local media.

"As well, I cannot say enough about the generosity of health sites in Interior Health and Northern Health, who have taken in patients and clients evacuated from their home facilities."

IH has facilities throughout the Cariboo, the hardest hit region of the province. Facilities are situated in 100 Mile House, Williams Lake, Ashcroft and Cache Creek.

"With the extent of this crisis, we know health repercussions will continue in the months ahead.

"There is no doubt that this emergency is causing incredible upheaval, stress, and frustration."

Mazurkewich says IH's primary focus will continue to be the health and safety of residents, and that of staff and physicians.

"While we have made progress on re-entry in several areas, we are taking care and caution with decisions to reopen sites and services only when it’s safe to do so. The wildfire activity remains close and continues to impact transportation routes, so every decision is well considered before we reopen our sites or restore full services."