By Greg Fry

Wildfires

Ancient Forest and Barkerville fires still listed as out-of-control

Jul 12, 2024 | 5:10 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — The BC Wildfire Service is responding to fires in the area of the Ancient Forest (Chun T’oh Whudujut) Park.

They say the largest of these fires is approximately 10 hectares in size and out-of control.

In a social media post, the BC Wildfire Service notes it’s exhibiting rank 1 and 2 fire behaviour. “Smoke is visible, but there was no change in size over the past operational period.” The blaze is suspected to be lightning-caused.

The BC Wildfire Service still has the Barkerville/Cornish Mountain fire listed as out-of-control and at 70 hectares in size. That fire has sparked a pair of evacuation alerts, including for Barkerville and the District of Wells. An evacuation order has also been issued for the small portion of the District of Wells, including its mine site.

In a news release, Barkerville says it’s still business as usual for the time being despite the alert though the following trails in the backcountry have been closed:

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• Yellowhawk
• Jubilee
• Sugar Creek Loop
• Cornish Mountain
• Valley Mountain
• BGM Trail
• Cow Mountain
• Proserpine

There are currently (as of 5:10 a.m. on July 12) 150 active wildfires burning in British Columbia, including 16 new fire starts over the past 24 hours.

And if you’re headed outdoors this weekend, remember a province-wide campfire ban, with the exception of Haida Gwaii, goes into effect at noon on Friday.

The ban will remain in effect until October 15 or until it’s rescinded. Other prohibited activities include the use of fireworks, sky lanterns and burn barrels.

Fines range from $1,150 to $100,000 including a year in jail.