Photo credit: Megan Wright
Another wildfire

Wildfire breaks out near Opatcho Lake

May 13, 2019 | 4:58 PM

BUCKHORN LAKE—Update: (8:40 a.m. May 14) The BC Wildfire Service says the fire located approximately 20 kilometres from the intersection of Highway 97 and Buckhorn Lake Road has grown to eight hectares in size.

“But it’s 100 per cent guarded with 10 firefighters out there today,” says Fire Information Officer Molly Blower, who adds favourable weather conditions today, including forecasted showers, are expected to help matters.

“Yes, and the relative humidity is expected to rise and we’re expecting lighter winds.”

Update: (6:50 p.m.) Fire Information Officer Molly Blower with the Prince George Fire Centre now estimates the fire, which she says has no name as of yet, at approximately 5 hectares in size and says it’s suspected to be human-caused.

“It is located approximately 20 kilometres from the intersection of Highway 97 and Buckhorn Lake Road. That is approximately 30 kilometres southeast of Prince George,” she says.

“There are seven firefighters on scene along with two pieces of heavy equipment and a helicopter. There has also been tanker action on the fire and retardant has been laid down.”

We will update this story as soon as more information becomes available.

Earlier: (5 p.m.) BC Wildfire has confirmed there’s a wildfire 20 kilometres east of Buckhorn Lake. Witnesses say the blaze picked up between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

BC Wildfire is confirming crews have been deployed and air tankers are currently on the scene.

There’s no word yet on the size or if the fire is contained.

The fire danger across many areas of the province is currently rated at moderate to high.

Photo credit: Megan Wright
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