A wildfire raging through Fort Nelson has surged in size, prompting officials to issue additional mandatory evacuation orders for residents in northeastern British Columbia.
According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, the Fort Nelson fire has ballooned to over 84 square kilometers from its initial size of just under 53 square kilometers as of Monday morning.
Weather forecasts indicate windy conditions on Tuesday, raising concerns that the Parker Lake wildfire could be propelled towards Fort Nelson. As a precautionary measure, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and the Fort Nelson First Nation have expanded mandatory evacuation orders to encompass a larger area of northeastern B.C.
The escalation in evacuation orders extends beyond Fort Nelson, with the Peace River Regional District issuing the latest mandate affecting residents around Doig River 206 on Monday night. Located approximately 60 kilometers northeast of Fort St. John, this small community has been urged to evacuate to Fort St. John's designated evacuation center, where assistance awaits.
Evacuation Orders:
The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality has issued an Evacuation Order for the town of Fort Nelson and area, and the Fort Nelson First Nation, due to wildfire.
Impacted residents can evacuate to the Fort St. John Reception Centre at the North Peace Arena at 9805 96th Ave, Fort St. John.
If you have the means to travel further, additional Emergency Reception Centres are open at:
- Prince George: Exhibition Park, 2187 Ospika Blvd S. Located beside Ice Oval. Access is from 18th Avenue entrance.
- Dawson Creek: Sudetan Hall, 1901 Alaska Highway.
- Milligan Creek Rd South to North Peace Arena, 9805 96 Ave, Fort St John
For more information about evacuation orders click here.
The Peace River Regional District has also issued an Evacuation Order for the Doig River area due to wildfire. Anyone in the affected area must leave the area immediately. The following area is under Evacuation Order:
- Km 5.75 on Doig Road
- North to Road PDR MC9
- East for 6.75 Km
- South to Doig Road
- West to Km 5.75 on Doig Road
Information provided by BC Wildfire Service and Canadian Press.