Prince George Fire Centre rescinds northeast area restrictions

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Prince George Fire Centre (PGFC) has rescinded its area restrictions for wildfires in the Fort Nelson area.

The fire centre announced that the restrictions were rescinded as of noon on Thursday, August 29th. 

Although fire response in the area is still ongoing, firefighters say they “no longer need to restrict public access on an ongoing basis to operate efficiently and safely.”

The fire centre, along with the rest of the BC Wildfire Service, reminds residents to be cautious when traveling in or through areas impacted by wildfires.

Risks include fire-damaged trees that could fall over without warning, ash pits that can be hard to detect and stay hot long after the flames have died down, unstable terrain that leads to increased risks for landslides and rock falls, and more.

“In areas that have been severely burned, post-wildfire risks may last for two years or more,” PGFC warns. “However, the increased risk of floods or debris flows in severely burned areas may persist much longer.”

The PGFC says that’s especially true for areas in northeast BC following two years of “persistent, deep drought,” which saw much of the region experience significant wildfire activity.

Residents are urged to be prepared to report smoke, wildfire, and unattended campfires to the BC Wildfire Service throughout the fall.