Latest news with #northeasternBC
Globe and Mail
18 hours ago
- Climate
- Globe and Mail
B.C. downgrades status of two major wildfires in northeast
Two of the three most significant wildfires in British Columbia have been downgraded and are no longer considered fires of note. They include the 263-square-kilometre Kiskatinaw River wildfire in northeastern B.C., which was deemed on Wednesday to be no longer out of control. The Pocket Knife Creek wildfire northwest of Fort. St. John, the biggest blaze in B.C. at more than 1,500 square kilometres, has also lost wildfire-of-note status, having earlier been removed from the out-of-control stage. Both fires are now considered to be held, meaning they aren't expected to grow beyond current perimeters, as fire crews get support from heavy rain in northeastern B.C. Outdated forestry rules increase wildfire risk, B.C. Forest Practices Board says That leaves the 800-square-kilometre Summit Creek wildfire burning out of control in the northeast as the province's only fire of note – indicating that either homes are threatened or it's highly visible. The BC Wildfire Service says there is a risk of thunderstorms across central and northern B.C. on Thursday, but the province will see cooler temperatures starting Friday and into the weekend with some areas expected to get heavy rain. There are currently about 85 wildfires actively burning in B.C.
CTV News
07-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
‘Extreme fire behaviour' possible in northeast B.C., with dozens of homes evacuated
Strong winds could make an already dire situation even worse in northeastern B.C. where wildfires have forced dozens of homes to evacuate. Wildfires have forced the evacuation of dozens of homes in northeastern B.C., and many other people are preparing to leave if needed. Officials are warning high winds this weekend mean there's a potential for what they call 'extreme fire behaviour' in the coming days. Dramatic scenes are unfolding in the Peace region, as fire crews in helicopters attempt to protect homes and other buildings in the mostly Cree community of Kelly Lake, where all residents have been ordered to evacuate due to the Kiskatinaw River fire. 'I'm an optimist,' Kelly Lake and Cree woman Shelley Calliou told CTV News on Friday while temporarily relocated to a Dawson Creek hotel. 'I wanted to believe in my heart that our community that was built by our resilient ancestors, you know, would be protected, that we would have those homes to go back to. And currently, as far as I'm aware, those homes are still standing.' Calliou outlined her dramatic escape – with her family given just two hours to pack what they could carry as Mounties went to each property to inform people of the order to leave. She said beyond the family home, she is concerned about damage to the surrounding terrain, where her family has lived for generations. 'These are peoples' homes,' Peace River South B.C. Conservative MLA Larry Neufeld told CTV News on Friday when describing his level of concern, given the situation. 'This is their community and to be displaced from your community due to a wildfire is a tragic event, and I know the province is doing the best they can. I would very much like to express my gratitude to the firefighters. They've done an amazing job.' The fire has already crossed the border into Alberta, and a cold front is arriving. 'Extreme fire behaviour is expected over the next couple of days throughout the northeastern region of the fire centre,' said Casda Thomas, a fire information officer with the Prince George Fire Centre. 'There are very strong winds forecast for today and Sunday.' The provincial government will provide a seasonal emergency preparedness update on Monday, which could offer some insight into what could be coming during this drought and fire season.
CTV News
06-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Evacuation orders for northeast B.C. wildfire
A raging wildfire is spreading rapidly in northeastern B.C., threatening several homes and prompting evacuation orders.
