BCWS tackles wildfire along Highway 97 near Sundance Lake

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The fire as of June 5th - eight kilometres east of Chetwynd, near Sundance Lake, along Highway 97. (BCWS) — The wildfire as of June 5th – eight kilometres east of Chetwynd, near Sundance Lake, along Highway 97. (BCWS)

CHETWYND, B.C. — Firefighters are tackling a wildfire running alongside Highway 97.

The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is responding to the incident eight kilometres east of Chetwynd, near Sundance Lake, which has burned 40 hectares and is considered to be ‘out of control.’

This means it is spreading or anticipated to spread beyond the current perimeter or control line.

BCWS said the fire was detected on the evening of June 4th and is suspected to have been caused by humans.

Its crews worked overnight to establish access to water on the perimeter.

Twenty-five firefighters are now being supported by “aviation resources,” BCWS says, and heavy equipment is also being used on the northeast section.

It warned drivers along Highway 97 they may continue to see smoke within the perimeter.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the BCWS urged drivers to check DriveBC to get the most up-to-date information about road conditions.

BCWS crews are battling wildfires across the province, and the service is expecting the picture to worsen over this weekend with high winds and temperatures forecast.

There have already been evacuation alerts and orders issued due to fires near the Kiskatinaw River, near Summit Lake, in Goodlow and near the Fort Nelson River.