Stoddart Creek wildfire shows minimal growth due to reduced winds

The Stoddart Creek wildfire didn’t show significant growth from Monday due to reduced wind in the area, according to the BC Wildfire Service.

The Stoddart Creek wildfire hasn’t shown significant growth since Monday after it jumped its perimeter last week. (Jordan Prentice, Energeticcity.ca)

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Stoddart Creek wildfire didn’t show significant growth from Monday due to reduced wind in the area, according to the BC Wildfire Service.

Fire information officer Adam Nicholas says the wildfire is still estimated at 29,506 hectares.

There are 31 firefighters, eight pieces of heavy equipment and four helicopters actioning the fire on Tuesday.

Nicholas said crews are split between the northeast and northwest corners of the fire, working around critical infrastructure.

“If the current weather conditions persist, we anticipate minimal growth. We’ll see higher winds Thursday, after which they will slow down,” Nicholas said.

“Less than three to five per cent growth is anticipated at this time. Some growth will be accounted for by planned ignitions, which will only take place under favourable conditions, and in the form of small-scale hand ignitions.”

The Stoddart Creek wildfire was discovered on May 13th and reignited on Friday due to fire activity in hotspots within the perimeter.

On September 15th, the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) issued an evacuation alert and order due to the fire. Details on areas under evacuation alert and order can be found on the PRRD’s website.

The Blueberry River First Nation Emergency Operations Centre also issued an evacuation alert, though Elders and members with chronic illness were asked to leave the community.

In the Fort Nelson area, strong winds and wildfires are still impacting Highway 77 from 91 to 70 kilometres south of the B.C. and Northwest Territories border. Single-lane traffic has opened up from kilometre 47 to kilometre 68.

The fire information office recommends checking DriveBC for updates.

Wildfires in Muskwa River (21,056), Donnie Creek (589,037), Klua Lakes (44,241), Zaremba Creek (19,136), Fontas River (45,090), Kahnta River (1,037) and Milligan Hills (1,974) have all seen growth recently as well.

In the Prince George Fire Centre, there are currently 45 active wildfires, and 394 are burning across the province.

For updates on wildfires, visit BCWS’ website.