Copper cable thefts lead to widespread TELUS outage in northwest B.C.

PRINCE GEORGE —Update: Police are investigating a copper wire theft they allege is related to Monday’s power outage in northern B.C.

On May 4, 2026, at 9:23 a.m., the Burns Lake RCMP received a report of theft and mischief near the Sheraton rest stop on Highway 16. Apparently, earlier that morning, copper wire was stolen from the site and fibre lines were cut in the process resulting in a significant outage to telecommunications in the area. Police are taking this incident very seriously and all necessary resources required to advance the investigation have been engaged.

 “The impact to infrastructure is extremely serious and could have created delayed responses to other emergencies, potentially putting lives at risk,” said Staff Sergeant Kris Clark of the BC RCMP. “Investigators are urging witnesses, as well as anyone with dashcam video who drove Highway 16 in the early morning hours on Monday, to connect with them.”

 Anyone who saw anything, or has dashcam video from Highway 16 between Burns Lake and Fraser Lake, from between 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on May 4, 2026, is urged to contact the Burns Lake RCMP at 250-692-7171.