Wildfires near Fort Nelson merge

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Donnie Creek, West Conroy Creek, Hockey Creek and Katah Creek wildfires have merged, according to the BC Wildfire Service.

The combination of the wildfires is now referred to as just the Donnie Creek wildfire. It is estimated at 118,000 hectares and is managed by the Donnie Creek Complex, which also manages the Klua Lakes and the Muskwa River wildfires.

The Klua Lakes wildfire is now estimated at 18,263 hectares, and the Muskwa River wildfire is 6,297 hectares.

All three wildfires in the Donne Creek Complex are classified as out of control.

On Friday, personnel will use parallel and indirect methods of attack with ground crews, aviation resources and structure protection personnel working on protecting infrastructure in the area.

According to BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), crews are seeing heavy smoke low to the ground, which could mean less fire growth.

BCWS says eight helicopters, 11 structure protection personnel and 14 support workers are assigned to the Donnie Creek Complex, with heavy equipment and unit crew on the way.

The Peace River Regional District recently made changes to the evacuation orders and alerts in the area of the Donnie Creek wildfire.

There are currently approximately 15 wildfires in the Peace region.

In Fort St. John, the air quality is high to very high risk due to the smoke. The special air quality statement is still in effect.

Winds in Fort St. John on Friday are blowing northwest at 24 kilometres an hour, with gusts reaching 42 kilometres an hour.

For the latest wildfire information, visit BCWS’ website.