UPDATE : Fire breaks out in Charlie Lake along the Alaska Highway

UPDATE: The fire is now at 70 hectares, but poses no threat to structures. Read more here: https://energeticcity.ca/2023/05/04/charlie-lake-wildfire-shows-no-growth-no-threat-to-structures/

UPDATE: The Alaska Highway (Highway 97) has re-opened in both directions. Watch for emergency crews that are still in the area. This article has also been updated with the latest information about the fire.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A fire sparked Wednesday afternoon just before 4 p.m. and is already 60 hectares in size and out of control in the Charlie Lake area.

The wildfire is near the Wolsey Subdivision and Mile 58 of the Alaska Highway. The Charlie Lake Fire Department and B.C. Wildfire Services (BCWS) and mutual aid are actioning the wildfire and one structure is at risk at this time. 

Crews from the B.C. Wildfire Service will remain on scene overnight Wednesday to maintain structure protection and monitor fire activity. Additional resources have been requested for Thursday.

The wind helped to grow the fire and move it to the east of where it started. Wildfire crews and several local fire departments are prioritizing structure protection with support from aviation and heavy equipment.

No evacuation alerts or evacuations have been issued. The Peace River Regional District encourages all residents to sign up for emergency alerts on their phones at nebcalerts.com. 

The fire also caused a power outage in the area. Approximately 350 customers were without power for close to eight hours. For updates on power outages, visit www.bchydro.com/outages.

According to the Prince George Fire Centre, the fire is near the Alaska Highway, south of Stoddart Creek road, and is suspected to be human-caused.

The fire is located within the Charlie Lake Fire Departments’ jurisdiction, and they will be receiving assistance from BC Wildfire Service.

If more information is released, the story will be updated. News tips can be submitted to Energeticcity.ca on the website or by emailing contact@energeticcity.ca.

Six new wildfires have sparked in the region since Tuesday, including the fire near Charlie Lake.

According to the Prince George Fire Centre, an out-of-control wildfire was discovered at 8:04 p.m. on Tuesday west of Cameron River and is now 100 hectares in size. The fire is believed to be caused by humans.

Another out-of-control wildfire was discovered near Wabby Hill on May 3rd at 1:07 p.m. and is also believed to be human-caused. This fire is 1 hectare in size.

A 4-hectare wildfire located near Prespatou Creek was discovered on Tuesday at 4:33 p.m. and is being held. The fire is believed to be caused by humans.

A human-caused fire south of Sunset Creek was discovered at 3:37 p.m. on May 2nd and is also being held.

A fire discovered at 3:24 p.m. on Tuesday is less than a hectare in size and located west of Moberly River. The fire is currently being held, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The 50-hectare fire north of Moberly River discovered on Friday is now under control.

The Cactus Trails wildfire and the fire northeast of Montney Creek were declared out late Tuesday afternoon.

The Bordet Creek fire that was discovered on Saturday is now listed as under control.

The region has approximately 13 fires active for the 2023 wildfire season.