Windy Creek wildfire ‘under control’ at 206 hectares

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has reported a more than 200 hectare wildfire near Chetwynd has been brought under control after two days.

According to an update issued by the BCWS shortly after 11 a.m. on May 13th, a wildfire 40 kilometres northeast of Chetwynd near Windy Creek has been brought under control following two days of firefighting efforts.

The blaze was first reported on May 11th, rapidly growing from 40 hectare to 200 hectares on May 12th.

As of 11 a.m. on May 13th, the fire has been brought under control at 206 hectares in size.

According to the BCWS, heavy equipment and air support constructed a containment line around the blaze.

“Helicopters were effective in moderating fire behaviour, allowing heavy equipment and ground crews to advance containment efforts,” the BCWS wrote.

The service noted higher humidity and lower temperatures the evening of May 13th are expected to “help moderate fire behaviour.” However it did also note the dryness of nearby fuels may result in an increase in fire activity within the fire perimeter in the afternoon, leading to increased smoke visible to nearby residents.

“Work to remove unburned fuel between the containment line and the fire’s perimeter is ongoing,” BCWS stated.

Following a May 12th BCWS investigation, the fire has been determined to have been caused my human activity.

As of May 13th, two BCWS crews have been assigned to the blaze, alongside heavy equipment and helicopters. Airtankers are also available to respond if needed.

No area restrictions or evacuations have been issued for the blaze at this time.

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