Courtesy BC Wildfire Service

By Tommy Osborne

Fort Nelson Wildfire

Prince George Fire Centre the “primary risk” according to B.C. Government

May 17, 2024 | 4:29 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – With 125 wildfires burning across the province, the B.C. Government held a press conference to update the public. With forest fires threatening Fort nelson, Doig River, and many other communities in North-East B.C., the Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Bowinn Ma says recent rain helped, but it’s not enough.

“Our worst fears have not materialized, but I want to be extremely clear: we are not out of the woods. There is not enough rain forecasted to offset the prolonged drought conditions or extinguish the fires naturally,” Ma said.

Ma spoke specifically of the Parker Lake wildfire one kilometre west of Fort Nelson and the Patrick Creek wildfire 20 kilometres north fo Fort Nelson, saying the government is doing everything it can to suppress the fire. 131 firefighters, 19 rotary wing aircraft and air tankers, 25 pieces of heavy equipment, and 61 structural protection personnel and equipment are currently fighting the fire. While Fort Nelson experienced structural damage early in the fire, as of May 11 Ma says there are no new damages to report. At the moment, it’s too early to offer any timeline on a potential return to Fort Nelson.

“We are experiencing fuel drought that we haven’t seen in a long time, if ever, in British Columbia. And because of that, we’re seeing extreme fire behavior,” said B.C.’s Wildfire Service Director Cliff Chapman.

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Chapman explains the Prince George fire centre’s fuel is a big reason for the heightened concern. When you factor in the close to 2 million hectares that burned last year, the bog fuel that can hold a holdover fire underground for extended periods, and extreme dryness, the government is warning you to be ready to evacuate.

“Emergency support services were extended on Tuesday for an additional seven days and if you are in need of emergency support services, please head to a reception center in Fort Saint John, Dawson Creek, Chetwynd or Prince George,” Ma said.

The May Long Weekend is also set to begin, which has many B.C. families excited to travel. With the wildfires across the province, is it safe to do so? Ma says yes, but stresses the need to “know before you go.”

“British Columbia is a huge province. We have an incredible coast, stunning mountain ranges, beautiful forests and vibrant communities. And we have a lot of we have a lot to offer and we want to share it,” Ma said.

If you see a wildfire, Ma asks you call *5555 on your cellphone, as it gives fire crews the chance to respond as early as possible to a fire. Even if you think someone else may have called it in already, Ma says you should call it in anyways, as the more information they have, the better.

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