By Greg Fry

Wildfire season

Crews respond to wildfire near Ancient Forest

Jul 12, 2021 | 4:15 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — The BC Wildfire Service says there were 31 new fire starts over the weekend in the Prince George Fire Centre, including one near the Ancient Forest.

Information Officer Sharon Nickel says that fire is currently estimated at .2 hectares with four personnel working the fire.

She says there is a cluster of spot fires nearby and says the fire is suspected to be “person-caused.”

As for other fires in the region, the 1,474 hectare Chilako fire 90 kilometres southwest of Prince George has moved to being held. The Grizzly Lake fire is estimated at 275 hectares and is classified as out-of-control. The Camsell Lake fire is now 105 hectares and is classified as out-of-control. Both fires prompted evacuation alerts Sunday night.

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As for a weather outlook, Nickel says weather for the first half of the week is sunny, hot and dry with the potential for smoky/hazy skies.

“Forecasting Tuesday will be the hottest day, likely around 30 degrees; the potential for more widespread thunderstorms across the PG Fire Centre. Into mid-week, Wednesday may be blustery. Thursday and Friday a low comes inland from Alaska, which will bring with it some cooler temperatures but some instability and increased winds and likelihood of thunderstorms.”

Nickel would like to remind everyone to be aware of the province-wide campfire and open fire bans. She also urges you to prepare an emergency go-bag in the event of wildfire or an evacuation order and to take time to help reduce the risk to home and property with tips and tricks from FireSmartBC.

And as always, if you see smoke or fire call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone.