Log jam of evacuees

Photo: The Canadian Press

There are long lines of evacuees applying for Emergency Social Services in Kamloops.

Kamloops is overrun with evacuees escaping wildfires in the Cariboo region.

Thousands of people under an evacuation order left Williams Lake Saturday, adding to the numbers already in the city.

“Evacuees currently staying in Kamloops are asked to hold off on their Emergency Social Services renewal unless it expires today,” said a press release issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District on Sunday. “A few people have already visited the Sandman Centre with the hopes of renewing early. With the influx of evacuees from Williams Lake, volunteers at the emergency reception centre (at the Sandman Centre) are working as quickly as possible, but will not be able to provide early renewal for any current evacuees.”

Evacuees have also been reminded they only need to register with Emergency Social Services if they require food and lodging.

However, all evacuees have been urged to register with the Red Cross and that registration does not require a renewal. The number for Red Cross is 1-800-863-6582.

If evacuees are staying with friends and family, they do not have to stand in line to register with the Emergency Social Services.

Tens of thousands of people are under evacuation orders in B.C.