UPDATE: The article previously stated Pink Mountain and Prophet River fires are under control, when they’re actually being held. This means the PGFC doesn’t expect growth. The Tentfire Creek fire is now 915 hectares.
Noticeable wildfire smoke across the Peace region may be here for a few days.
The province’s air quality index is currently at four in Fort St. John and is expected to reach five later Thursday and Friday.
The province says the best way to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke is shelter, especially if experiencing irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Community members are encouraged to reduce time spent outdoors, stay hydrated and avoid rigorous activity.
There are currently 33 active wildfires in the Prince George Fire Centre.
The Tentfire Creek fire near Tumbler Ridge is around 815 hectares.
Resources on site supporting burn out operations include 24 firefighters, five helicopters, and six heavy equipment. Crews will be conducting operations on the north and northeast flank of the fire over the next several days.
“This parallel attack method is used to eliminate the fuel between a containment line and the main body of the fire in a controlled way,” said the BC Wildfire Service in an update. “This decreases the chance of the fire burning up to the containment line in an uncontrolled way and crossing or spotting over the containment line.”
The fire near Hook Creek is still approximately 180 hectares. Monkman Provincial Park remains closed.
Fires between Pink Mountain and Prophet River are being held.
The Buckinghorse River fire remains at 6,000 hectares, and the Beatton River fire is held at 4,800 hectares.
