Fish Creek wildfire now ‘being held,’ says BCWS

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Fish Creek wildfire north of Fort St. John is now ‘being held,’ according to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS). 

In an update on Sunday, May 4th at 4:37 p.m., BCWS changed the status of the Fish Creek Community Forest wildfire to “being held,” as it is not expected to move outside its current perimeter based on weather conditions and resource availability. 

“Fire behaviour is currently minimal, with very limited activity observed along the perimeter,” the BCWS update read. 

BCWS and the Fort St. John Fire Department are continuing to fight the fire with crews spread out to cover key zones within the perimeter.

“Smoke remains visible, particularly in the southern sections of the fire, where crews are actively patrolling and targeting hotspots,” said the update.

The wildfire first ignited in the forest on May 1st and grew to a maximum of 110 hectares in size. 

As a result, 19 households needed to be temporarily evacuated but the residents were able to return home after one day. 

On May 2nd, the City of Fort St. John started an investigation into the cause of the wildfire, which the BCWS still suspects to be caused by human activity.

The public is still being asked to avoid the Fish Creek Community Forest for their own safety. 

The service also gave thanks to Fort St. John residents for their patience, support and understanding throughout the response. 

“Your cooperation made a real difference to our crews on the ground,” the service concluded. 

The Fort St. John RCMP request anyone with information or video footage related to the fire contact the lead investigator, Constable Shaun Wagantall, at 250-787-8100.