Wildfires continue to grow in Fort Nelson region

FORT NELSON, B.C. — The largest wildfire in the province has grown further, but despite that, the number of ‘out-of-control’ fires in the northeast has decreased.

According to the latest update on the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) website, the Etcho Creek wildfire has grown to 278,588 hectares, up from the 275,453 hectares reported earlier this week.

The Liard River blaze and the fire at the junction of the Liard and Dunedin Rivers — both of which also remain ‘out-of-control’ — have also grown, to 3,468 and 239 hectares up from 3,155 and 109, respectively.

However, those are the only remaining ‘out-of-control’ fires in the northeast. The Delkpay Creek North fire discovered on June 21st has been extinguished.

Two other ‘out-of-control’ fires remain in the Prince George Fire Centre, with one situated near the southeastern edge of the region and the other in the southwest.

Some fires currently classified as ‘being held’ have also grown: the Fort Nelson River south wildfire has burned 12,444 hectares, up from 12,423 hectares, and the Shekilie River wildfire has burned 94,057 hectares, up from 93,748 hectares.

No evacuation alerts or orders are currently in place as a result of any of these blazes. According to Environment Canada, further rainfall is expected in the Fort Nelson fire zone, which could lead to more wildfires being extinguished or reclassified.

Energeticcity.ca will provide new updates on the wildfire situation as they become available.