Donnie Creek wildfire about two kilometres from Alaska Highway

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An aerial shot of a wildfire going through a forest with smoke billowing into the sky. — As of Tuesday afternoon, the Donnie Creek wildfire is approximately two kilometres from the Alaska Highway. (BCWS, Facebook)

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Donnie Creek wildfire, part of the Donnie Creek Complex, is approximately 487,509 hectares and is about two kilometres from the Alaska Highway, according to BC Wildfire Services (BCWS).

It’s possible that travel on the highway could be affected in the future, but at this point, the highway remains open. BCWS says the fire is near Trutch, which is located near the Mile 202 rest stop.

Structure protection personnel have been deployed in the area, and crews are prepared to assist traffic control if needed.

Smoke is highly affecting visibility on the Alaska Highway, between Powder King Road and Weiland Road, as well as between Chetwynd and Dawson Creek.

On Tuesday, about 130 personnel, 23 pieces of heavy equipment, and 11 helicopters are working on the fire.

BCWS says northerly winds of about 15 kilometres and gusts of up to 25 kilometres an hour are still pushing the Donnie Creek wildfire south.

Though rain is expected in the Peace and Northern Rockies regions, not much precipitation is anticipated to fall on the fire.

Despite the rain missing the Donnie Creek Complex, BCWS is seeing cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity, which should help crews and decrease fire behaviour.

The Peace River Regional District issued new evacuation alerts and orders for the Donnie Creek wildfire. An area restriction is also still in place.

The Klua Lakes wildfire and the Muskwa River wildfire, also part of the Donnie Creek Complex, haven’t shown much growth but remain out of control.

The Tooga Creek wildfire grew to approximately 31,000 hectares, and an evacuation alert remains in place.

For the latest evacuation order and alert information, visit the Peace River Regional District’s and Northern Rockies Regional Municipality’s websites.

For the latest information on road closures, visit DriveBC.

There are approximately 33 active wildfires in the Prince George Fire Centre.

For the latest wildfire information, visit BCWS’ website.