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