Holdover wildfire reignites north of Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A holdover wildfire from 2023 has reignited again and burned more than 100 hectares north of Fort St. John.

The 130-hectare fire is located near Fontas River, north of Fort St. John and southeast of Fort Nelson. 

According to the BC Wildfire Service’s (BCWS) website, the blaze is a continuation of a wildfire that began with a lightning strike and burned through 2023 and 2024, smouldering underground for the winter.

“Several fires across the region that smouldered underground through winter are now showing increased surface activity and producing smoke,” the BCWS website explains.

“These wildfires are being monitored through helicopter reconnaissance flights. Fires burning in more remote areas—farther from communities and infrastructure, and showing low potential for growth or impact—are being actively monitored.”

BCWS staff members say it’s difficult to deal with fires like these, as by the time smoke becomes visible, they’re often already well established.

“Suppression takes significant time, water and personnel, especially in areas with limited access and few natural water sources,” the website reads.

No area restrictions or evacuation orders are currently in effect as a result of the fire.

This comes as the BCWS deals with a wide array of holdover wildfires reigniting, including one nearly 2,000 hectares in size farther north.

Energeticcity.ca will update this story as new information becomes available.