Photo courtesy Rene Lafreniere

By Caden Fanshaw

BC WILDFIRES

Several structures lost in wildfire south of Chetwynd as fire explodes in size, Hwy 97 closed

Aug 13, 2021 | 7:08 PM

.PRINCE GEORGE – The BC Wildfire Service has confirmed several structures have been lost in an aggressive wildfire near Powder King along Highway 97.

The wildfire initially reported late Friday afternoon had already exploded to at least 150 hectares in size in just hours.

The wildfire (G72591) burned at rank 4 and 5 throughout the evening Friday since being discovered in the late afternoon, and has severely damaged a BC Hydro line in the process.

According to the BCWS this fire is believed to be human-caused.

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Air tankers and a bird dog have attempted to action the fire but poor visibility has prevented any air support from actioning the fire so far.

Helicopters have been able to provide support to crews on the fire as at least three helicopters remain assigned to the incident.

Highway 97 remains closed from Powder King Road to Hasler Road, there is no detour known at this time.

The BC Wildfire Service says they will monitor the fire throughout the night.

No evacuation orders or alerts have been issued for the area.

This article will be updated as more information is released.