The weather over the B.C. Day long weekend was a major contributor to the massive spread of, and the ignition of forest fires in the Northwest Fire Centre’s region.
Currently there are four forest fires burning in the Northwest Fire Centre’s region.
The Takysie Lake fire, which was discovered on July 2 and burned approximately 43 hectares in total area has been out for quite some time, with firefighting crews patrolling the area to ensure the area doesn’t reignite.
The Eutsuk Lake fire, which was discovered on July 8 and has burned approximately 3750 hectares in total area is being fought with a modified response technique by firefighters from the Northwest Fire Centre. A modified response means that the fire is being closely monitored and allowed to burn only within a set of policies and management guidelines.
A new fire Southwest of Deadwood Lake, which is located near the B.C.-Yukon boarder, was discovered on Aug. 3 and so far has burned 1600 hectares in total area and is being fought by firefighters with a modified response technique.
The Chelaslie River fire is the fourth forest fire that is burning in the region, and it’s also the largest.
The Chelaslie River fire, near Tweedsmuir Park, was discovered on July 8, and as of 10 a.m. on Aug. 6 the fire had burned approximately 88,600 hectares in total area.
The fire, which was caused by a lightning strike in the area, grew significantly in area over the August long weekend as temperatures climbed into the low 30s.
Currently, there are 218 firefighters, 19 helicopter units and 20 heavy equipment unit crews working together to battle the blaze.
Firefighters continue to construct guards and wet lines, and if weather conditions permit, crews may conduct burn-off operations.
As well, firefighters and heavy equipment unit crews continue to mop up small fires that have started outside of the perimeter of the fire.
On Aug. 2, an area closure order was issued by the Wildfire Management Branch.
The closure applies to the area from the Kluskus forest service road of the Natalkuz 500 Road, South and West of the Kluskus forest service road into the Vantine, Malaput and Chedekuz areas.
A checkpoint to restrict access has been established at 92.5 km on the Kluskus forest service road and the Red Road is closed at 77.5 km. All traffic in the area must report to the checkpoint.
As well, the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN) has issued an updated evacuation notice as of 5 p.m. on Aug. 6.
Residents from the Intata Reach at the confluence of Uchu Reach in Electoral Area ‘E’ (Francois/Ootsa Lake Rural), to the southern border of the RDBN Electoral Area ‘D’ (Fraser Lake Rural) at Red Road to Erhorn Creek north along Erhorn Creek to the Nechako Reservoir, including all the land between the West and East banks of the Nechako Reservoir to Erhorn Creek and from the Eastern boundary of Entiako Park to the Eastern and Southern boundary of the RDBN Electoral Area ‘E’ (Francois/Ootsa Lake Rural) must have evacuated the area.
The Chelaslie River fire has spread enough that the Cariboo Regional District issued their own evacuation notice on July 28, as well.
It has also caused massive amounts of smoke in the area West of Burns Lake to Smithers and East of Burns Lake to Vanderhoof.
A smoke advisory had been issued by the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Northern Health Authority due to the smoke concentration in the area Aug. 5, but that advisory was lifted due to the shift in the winds.
However, if further smoke advisories are issued, residents are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and if you have difficulty breathing, chest pains or discomfort or sudden onset of cough or irritation of airways to contact your doctor.
Smoke exposure is a primary concern for infants, the elderly and those who have medical conditions such as diabetes, lung or heart disease.
A fifth fire, located at Blunt Creek, just North of Smithers, was discovered on Aug. 4.
Response to this fire is in the initial attack stage, and so far it has burned 20 hectares in total area.
