Image credit: BC Wildfire Service

By Marty Hastings

WILDFIRE RESPONSE

BC Wildfire Service responding to blazes in Cariboo Fire Centre, VanJam Fire Zone

Apr 21, 2024 | 11:21 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — Update: An Evacuation Alert was issued by the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako for Wildfire G40119 on April 21 at 3:30 p.m.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, the fire has grown to 25 hectares in size and is located 750 metres west of Endako.

“BC Wildfire Service personnel are currently working on the east and west flanks of the fire while community wildfire response works along the south flank of the fire, adjacent to Highway 16.Heavy equipment and two helicopters are also providing support. A structure protection specialist is en route and will assess the possible need for structure protection upon arrival.”

The evacuation alerts is affecting 50 addresses for all lands, properties, and dwellings for all areas west of Savory Road and east of Endako Mine Road, north of the railway and south of the PNG pipeline, including all of Endako plus all properties addressed off Columbia Street.

Map courtesy Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako

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WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHILE THIS ALERT IS IN EFFECT:

• Be prepared for an Evacuation Order: Locate all family members or co-workers and plan to meet outside the evacuation area, should an evacuation be called while separated.
• Gather essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e., insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs, etc.), and have these items readily available for quick departure.
• Prepare to move any persons with mobility challenges and/or children.
• Move pets and livestock to a safe area. If you require assistance, please call the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako.
• Arrange to transport your household members or co-workers in the event of an evacuation order. If you are asked to evacuate and need transportation assistance from the area, please call the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako.
• Arrange accommodation for your family if possible. In the event of an Evacuation Order, a Reception Centre will be opened if required, and evacuation routes specified. Monitor your local radio station and the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako website, www.rdbn.bc.ca for information on this Evacuation Alert and/or any changes to the situation.

For more information contact: Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako at 250-692-1553.

Earlier: BC Wildfire Service is responding to out-of-control wildfires in the Vanderhoof/Fort St. James Fire Zone and Cariboo Fire Centre.

One (G40116) fire is approximately four kilometres east of Vanderhoof and about eight hectares in size, according to a wildfire service Twitter post published on Sunday morning (April 21).

Smoke is visible from Vanderhoof and the surrounding area, according to the post.

The wildfire service notes it is also responding to fire (G40119) about 15 hectares in size about 11 kilometres west of Fraser Lake.

Smoke is visible from Fraser Lake and the surrounding area, including Endako and B.C. Highway 16.

No structures are currently threatened by either fire, according to a BC Wildire Service post on Twitter.

Crews, aircraft and heavy equipment have responded, with the priority of protecting human life, property and infrastructure.

Additional personnel and air support have been requested.

Meanwhile, the service is also responding to the Burgess Creek Wildfire (C20117) about 45 kilometres south of Quesnel.

The fire is about 1,600 hectares in size and classified as out of control, according to the BC Wildfire Service website.

In a Twitter post on Saturday, the wildfire service noted smoke is visible from B.C. Highway 97, Williams Lake and Quesnel, and crews, aircraft and heavy equipment were on site.