Several wildfires in Fort Nelson area expand

Update May 30th 7:50 p.m.: This article has been updated because the Pocket Knife Creek wildfire has grown again, to 3,200 hectares.

FORT NELSON, B.C. — Several wildfires in the Fort Nelson zone have grown, according to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).

The latest updates on BCWS’ website show three out-of-control wildfires in the zone have grown significantly.

The Etset Lake fire, which had been measured at 2,329 hectares since May 23rd, now currently registers as 10,189 hectares.

Meanwhile, the Pesh Creek fire has grown from 130 to 162 hectares, and the Pocket Knife Creek wildfire – which has increased in size several times already – has grown from 1,600 to 3,200 hectares.

Additionally, two more fires listed as ‘being held’ – meaning BCWS believes they won’t expand past their current boundaries – have also increased, despite their designations not being changed.

The larger of these two fires is located near Fort Nelson River, and now sits at 654 hectares. The smaller of the two, near Komie Road, is now 53 hectares.

The Etcho Creek wildfire has also grown significantly, now having burned more than 50,000 hectares. BCWS blames much of that growth on warm temperatures and strong winds in the region this week. To read more about that blaze, click here.