Fires continue to show limited growth in Peace region

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says wildfires in the Peace region continue to show limited growth.

There are two helicopters, 14 pieces of heavy equipment, and 28 structure protection personnel responding to the fires in the North Peace Complex, including the Stoddart Creek, Red Creek, Cameron River, and Boundary Lake wildfires.

The Stoddart Creek wildfire is being held at 28,603 hectares. During the day, 157 firefighters have been working on the fire, while 19 are covering the night shift.

According to BCWS, crews are working on mop-up and extinguishing hot spots in the fire’s northeast, east, and southeast flanks. In the northwest and the northeast, crews are patrolling the fire’s perimeter.

In the coming days, crews will focus on areas unaffected by the rain and any hot spots.

BCWS says limited out-of-control growth has been observed since Thursday, May 18th.

The Red Creek wildfire is being held at 2,947 hectares.

The Cameron River and Boundary Lake wildfires are under control.

Fires in the Donnie Creek Complex, including the Donnie Creek, Muskwa River, and Klua Lakes wildfires, have not shown significant growth either.

The Donnie Creek wildfire is now approximately 136,289 hectares, and 71 wildfire personnel and 17 pieces of heavy equipment are working on the fire.

BCWS says three helicopters are assigned to the complex to monitor the fires and assist crews working on the Donnie Creek wildfire.

On Thursday, BCWS crews continue to use multiple methods with support from heavy equipment to protect values and industrial assets in the area of the Donnie Creek wildfire.

On the southwest and southeast sides of the fire, crews will be actioning hotspots on the fire’s edge.

The Klua Lakes wildfire is 26,871 hectares, and the Muskwa River wildfire is 8,856 hectares. The size only increased because of more accurate mapping, according to BCWS.

Due to the warming and drying trend expected in the coming days, smoke may become more visible.

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

The wildfire near Rolla Creek has been extinguished.

There are approximately 12 wildfires in the Peace region.

The air quality in Fort St. John is currently a low risk, and the special air quality statement was removed Wednesday morning.

Evacuation orders in the region have been removed, while some alerts remain. For the latest evacuation order and alert information, visit the Peace River Regional District’s website.

For the latest wildfire information, visit BCWS’ website.