The British Columbia Wildfire Service has issued a critical warning for northeastern B.C., where strong winds from forecasted cold fronts today and Sunday are expected to escalate fire activity to potentially extreme levels in the Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, and Fort Nelson fire zones.
The Peace River Regional District has issued an urgent evacuation order for Kelly Lake residents, stating that the rapidly advancing Kiskatinaw River wildfire — now spanning approximately 119 square kilometres — is uncontrollable and could become deadly. Officials stressed that first responders may have to retreat if fire conditions deteriorate further.
This wildfire is one of two currently classified as wildfires of note in the province. The second, the Summit Lake fire, is burning along the Alaska Highway west of Fort Nelson and has consumed about 83 square kilometres.
In addition, the district has issued an evacuation alert related to the 40-hectare Sundance Lake fire, which is burning out of control and could pose immediate threats to surrounding areas.
Provincial wildfire authorities report that conditions this weekend will be extremely hazardous, with dry air and temperatures in the Interior and southeast regions expected to soar 5 to 10 degrees above seasonal averages, exacerbating fire risks.
Swifteradio.com
