Three new wildfires in Peace region

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Three new wildfires have started in the Peace region since Wednesday morning, while two existing fires have gotten out of control.

A fire south of Bisette Creek was discovered just after 5 p.m. on May 3rd and is now approximately one hectare. It is suspected to be human-caused and is listed as out of control.

A four-hectare wildfire near 217 Road is being held. It was discovered on May 3rd, just before 4 p.m. and believed to be human-caused as well.

An out-of-control wildfire was discovered after 2 p.m. on May 3rd near the Eagle Creek Forest Service Road. It is now five hectares in size and is also believed to be caused by a human.

The wildfire in Charlie Lake grew slightly to 70 hectares and is still considered out of control, though no structures are at risk.

The wildfire west of Cameron River discovered on May 2nd has grown to 100 hectares. The out-of-control fire is believed to be human-caused.

A four-hectare fire near Prespatou Creek is now listed as under control.

The wildfire northwest of Highway 29 and Moberly Lake is still 100 hectares but is now listed as out of control.

The fire discovered on Friday near Blueberry River is now listed as out of control at eight hectares.

The BC Wildfire Service will introduce a category two ban Friday at noon.

This category refers to a fire that burns material in one pile under two metres high and three metres in width, material in two piles at the same time under two metres in height and three metres in width or stubble or grass over an area that does not exceed 0.2 hectares.

Anyone found contravening an open burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, a penalty of up to $10,000 or fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to a year in jail if convicted in court.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, there are approximately 17 wildfires in the region.