BCWS to send more crews to Fort Nelson area as overwintering fires reignite 

FORT NELSON, B.C. — The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is thanking the community in Fort Nelson for their “ongoing support, patience and cooperation” during the wildfire season.

So far, several wildfires have broken out north and northeast of Fort Nelson, in areas like Klenteh Creek, Delkpay Creek, Etcho Creek, Brandt Creek and Pesh Creek.

That includes two of the largest wildfires in the entire province. One, situated near Etset Lake, has burned 1,877 hectares so far, while the other has burned 1,419 hectares south of the Kiwigana River.

The vast majority of those fires have been overwintering blazes, which began during a past wildfire season and have reignited this spring after smouldering underground throughout the winter.

As suppression efforts in the region continue, residents in Fort Nelson are being told to expect to see more firefighters in their community in the near future.

“Over the coming days, residents in Fort Nelson will notice a significant increase in BC Wildfire Service personnel in the community,” a post to Facebook from the BCWS reads. 

“Additional crews and overhead support staff are being mobilized to assist with ongoing wildfire response efforts in the Fort Nelson zone.”

Residents who wish to report a wildfire are urged to call 1-800-663-5555 — or *5555 on a cellphone — or use the BCWS mobile app.

The latest updates on the wildfire situation across the province can be found on the BCWS website.