UPDATE: Site C crews back to work after brief suspension

UPDATE (5 p.m. Tuesday): Site C crews are returning to work due to the improvements in weather Tuesday, according to BC Hydro.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — BC Hydro says all work on the Site C project has been suspended due to wildfires in the area.

Bob Gammer, community relations for Site C, says the Stoddart Creek fire is approximately 38 km away from the dam project, while the Red Creek fire is around 31 km away.

The around 2,200 workers staying at the site’s camp have not been evacuated.

Gammer says the company continues monitoring the Peace region’s wildfire situation closely and is receiving regular updates from the BC Wildfire Service.

Bc Hydro is also staying in close contact with local governments, B.C. Wildfire Service and other emergency management authorities.

As of Tuesday morning, the Stoddart Creek wildfire is 23,500 hectares in size, and the Red Creek fire has grown to 2,947 hectares.

The wildfires have forced expanded evacuation orders along with alerts issued in many municipalities, including Fort St. John.