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4mo ago

B.C. Wildfires Prompt Evacuations and Disrupt Communications as Risk Intensifies

Two major out-of-control fires in northeastern B.C. have forced evacuations near Fort St. John and caused infrastructure outages in Tumbler Ridge, with officials warning of heightened fire danger due to dry, windy conditions.

A wildfire burning in the Fish Creek Community Forest near Fort St. John.
An extreme fire warning sign is shown along Highway 97 toward Fort Nelson outside the Charlie Lake Fire Hall near Fort St. John, B.C., on Monday, May 13, 2024. The B.C. Forest Ministry warns of elevated wildfire risk as winds arrive with warm, dry conditions. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Boily
The Fish Creek Community Forest wildfire near Fort St. John, B.C., burns in this recent handout photo. The City of Fort St. John, B.C., says people evacuated due to a wildfire on the outskirts of the community are allowed to return home. An update posted to the city's Facebook page at 8:45 a.m. says the fire in the Fish Creek Community Forest was moving northeast, away from the city. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - BC Wildfire Service
The B.C. Wildfire Service says two wildfires near Tumbler Ridge have merged and are pushing toward Highway 52 North, while three others have been contained as of May 1, 4 p.m. PT.

Overview

  • A 0.56 km² wildfire in the Fish Creek Community Forest near Fort St. John has led to the evacuation of 19 homes, though no structures are currently threatened.
  • A 35-hectare wildfire southwest of Dawson Creek, part of a cluster of fires, remains out of control, with ground crews and aerial support working to contain it.
  • Tumbler Ridge has experienced significant communication disruptions, including outages to phone, internet, and emergency services, after a wildfire damaged fibre optic cables.
  • B.C. officials have issued warnings about elevated wildfire risks and urged the public to postpone open burning and exercise caution in backcountry areas.
  • Warm, dry weather and high winds are expected to persist over the weekend, increasing the likelihood of further wildfire activity across the region.