Evacuation Alert issued for properties near Chetwynd Forest Fire

CHETWYND, B.C. – An evacuation alert has been issued for residents near the Mount Wartenbe fire east of Chetwynd.

The fire started Sunday afternoon and has burned over 700 hectares. The forest service believes the fire was caused by lightning and initiated a full response on Sunday. During a full response, a wildfire is suppressed and controlled until it is deemed “out.” There are nine type one firefighters being assisted by three helicopters on the scene.

Based on recommendations from BC Wildfire, the Peace River Regional District has issued an Evacuation Alert area for the Mount Wartenbe wildfire. This Alert is being issued because of the area’s potential danger to life and health.

The evacuation alert includes properties near Highway 97 (West of Chetwynd Pulp Mill Rd and East of Guillet Sub) and certain properties on Rimsmith Rd.

Highway 97 South remains open at this time. For updates on the highway, visit www.drivebc.ca

The following properties are included in the alert:

• 4535 Caven Rd
• 4714 Caven Rd
• 1346 Hwy 97 S
• 1445 Hwy 97 S
• 1457 Hwy 97 S
• 1597 Hwy 97 S
• 2039 Hwy 97 S
• 2039A Hwy 97 S
• 499 Hwy 97 S
• 503 Hwy 97 S
• 610 Hwy 97 S
• 615 Hwy 97 S
• 695 Hwy 97 S
• 774 Hwy 97 S
• 907 Hwy 97 S
• 982 Hwy 97 S
• 844 Les’s Rd
• 1490 Melnychuk Rd
• 1674 Melnychuk Rd
• 1734 Melnychuk Rd
• 1869 Melnychuk Rd
• 177 Rimsmith Subdiv
• 1786 Spenst Rd
• 1814 Spenst Rd

This Alert does not affect First Nations communities or municipalities as they issue their own Orders and Alerts.

For updates on the fire, watch this website or visit www.bcwildfire.ca