Wildfires picture shifts across northeastern B.C.

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A cloud of smoke from the Summit Creek wildfire on June 13th (BC Wildfire Service)

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C — Various wildfires throughout northeastern B.C. have changed, according to the province’s wildfire authority.

The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has reported the Petito Creek wildfire, first reported on May 7th, has grown 3,661 hectares from 7,555 hectares to 11,216 hectares.

This is an overwintering fire from previous seasons, which means the fire smouldered underneath the snowfall during the winter and is believed to have been re-ignited by lightning this year.

Additionally, the fire first reported on May 25th in the Shekilie River area has also grown, from 83,583 hectares to a current size of 92,599 hectares. It is also an overwintering fire.

Elsewhere, fires across the region have seen some slight changes, including:

G90413, located northeast of Summit Lake, has decreased from 81,349 hectares to a current size of 80,944 hectares.
G80473, located in the Heck Creek area, has also become smaller, currently sitting at a size of 7,832 hectares, down from 9,647 hectares.
G80396, located six kilometres south of Dehacho Creek, has decreased 656 hectares in size, currently sitting at 1,885 hectares.

Each of these fires are believed to have been caused by lightning strikes. Energeticcity.ca will provide more information about these fires should it become available.