‘Currently no need for alarm’: Tumbler Ridge monitoring nearby wildfires

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. – The District of Tumbler Ridge says nearby wildfires are being monitored, but there is currently ‘no need for alarm’.

The district says it received reports Wednesday night that a wildfire had started within the municipal boundary near the Tentfire Creek area, adjacent to Kinuseo Falls Road. The fire is has grown from four hectares in size to 47-hectares. Another fire was discovered Wednesday near Hook Creek and Imperial Creek. The fire has expanded from two hectares to 36 hectares.

“While there is currently no need for alarm, residents are reminded to be prepared to leave quickly during an emergency event as you may not get as much notice as you would hope for,” said the district in a statement Thursday.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, lightning is believed to be the cause of both fires.

“At this time, the District of Tumbler Ridge is actively monitoring both situations in collaboration with the BC Wildfire Service and Emergency Management BC and are receiving updated information as becomes available,” said the district.

The district also reminds residents of the current provincial fire ban, including campfires and Category 2 and 3 open burns.

As of July 1st at 7:50 p.m, Environment Canada says a  severe thunderstorm is 35 km east of Tumbler Ridge and is moving north at 50 km/h.

There are 27 active wildfires in the Prince George Fire Centre.

On Thursday, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said he isn’t ruling out the possibility of British Columbia entering another state of emergency, this time due to wildfires raging across the province.