UPDATE – New wildfire starts near Mile 70

UPDATE – The Fire is now over 1,200 hectares. For the latest news on forest fires in our region, click here.

UPDATE – As of 9:45 p.m. – The Peace River Regional District has issued an evacuation order and alert for the Stoddart Creek Fire. Click here to see the evacuation order and alert map.

UPDATE – As of 8 p.m. – The fire is moving to the north-northeast of where it originally started and is now 500 hectares. The BC Wildfire Service will be recommending the Peace River Regional District issue a formal evacuation order for the area near the fire. In the meantime, the B.C. Wildfire Service will continue with tactical evacuations.

UPDATE – As of 6:30 p.m. the fire is now over 100 hectares. Anyone evacuated from the area can go to the North Peace Arena for support. most north-northeast direction. recommendation

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – A new forest fire broke out Saturday afternoon in the area covered under the evacuation alert for the Red Creek Wildfire.

The fire started near Mile 70 of the Alaska Highway (G80291) and has spread north to an area near Shepherd’s Inn. The B.C. Wildfire Service is now conducting tactical evacuations in the area. According to the B.C. Wildfire Service the fire started just after 3 p.m. on May 13, 2023.

Preliminary reports from the Ministry of Transportation suggest the fire may have started because of a vehicle fire at the 260 road. At least one water bomber is working the fire along with heavy equipment and helicopters.

The PRRD has confirmed that the Reception Centre at the North Peace Arena is now open to provide Emergency Support Services to people who have been evacuated from the Shepherd’s Inn area.

The Peace River Regional District is working with the Emergency Support Services team in Fort St. John to provide assistance to residents in the Shepherd’s Inn area who are being evacuated by emergency response personnel. When emergency personnel do this type of evacuation, it is considered a tactical evacuation, and it means there is an immediate risk from the wildfire in the areas. 

The Reception Centre at North Peace Arena is open to provide Emergency Support for residents from Shepherd's Inn area who are being evacuated by emergency personnel due to a wildfire in the area. Evacuees can also call 250-794-3310. Visit https://t.co/SDrCI20Oke for details. pic.twitter.com/IIBNdp4L1W

— Peace River Regional District (PRRD) (@prrdistrict) May 14, 2023

The PRRD Emergency Operations Centre is waiting for further direction from BC Wildfire regarding issuing an Evacuation Order.
If residents in the area feel at risk, please evacuate immediately. Evacuees are asked to go to Fort St. John via Highway 97 North.

Evacuees are encouraged to check in at the Reception Centre at the North Peace Arena at 9805 96 Avenue, Fort St. John, to register with Emergency Support Services (ESS), or call 250-794-3310. Registering with ESS ensures that evacuees have access to support, including setting up a place to stay, sourcing medicine, getting help with clothing and other essential needs.

⚠️#BCHwy97 – vehicle fire in the #CharlieLake area, just north of Road 260. @BCGovFireInfo is aware and responding. @BCHwyPatrol also aware and responding.@fortstjohn @EnergeticCity

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) May 13, 2023

The fire is already listed at over 100 hectares in size.

As we get more information about this fire from the B.C. Wildfire Service, we will update this story.