(UPDATE) Airspace closure at Fort St. John airport lifted as firefighters continue to tackle Fish Creek blaze

Update, May 1st, 8 p.m.: This story has been updated because the airspace closure around North Peace Regional Airport has now been lifted.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — All aircraft were grounded at Fort St. John’s airport because of a wildfire raging at the edge of the city, but the closure has now been lifted.

North Peace Regional Airport posted on Facebook at around 6 p.m. on May 1st to advise passengers that all its aircraft were temporarily grounded. 

Firefighters from the Fort St. John Fire Department and the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) are currently tackling a blaze which started in Fish Creek Community Forest earlier today (May 1st).

The airport confirmed it is assisting with the fire operations and has deployed one of its ARFF (aircraft rescue and firefighting) trucks and a small crew.

It said the airspace restriction was to support BC Wildfire crews as they work to contain the fire in the region.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding as we support emergency efforts and prioritize community safety,” the post reads.

“Ground operations will remain paused until BC Wildfire releases the airspace.”

However, as of around 7.30 p.m. on May 1st, the airport notified its passengers that the airspace has reopened.

It said travellers should continue to check with their airlines for information as it “works towards resuming normal operations.”

Watch videos of the fire and fire suppression work, below.