The B.C. Wildfire Service has reported that 11 fires lingering underground near Fort Nelson, B.C., since the previous year are now being fueled by warm and dry weather conditions. These fires have started emitting visible smoke recently, prompting officials to closely monitor the situation. Wildfire crews and aircraft have been dispatched to address the hot spots posing the highest risk to infrastructure.
Efforts are concentrated on tackling fires that can be safely targeted, with additional resources being mobilized from other parts of the province to assist. Rob Fraser, the Mayor of the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, expressed that the resurgence of wildfire activity has evoked challenging memories in Fort Nelson, where over 4,700 individuals were evacuated around the same time last year.
Fraser highlighted that drought conditions persist in the area, emphasizing the importance of residents staying vigilant. He warned about the potential fire hazards, mentioning that even small sparks from vehicles could ignite a significant blaze if conditions become windy, leaving people on edge.
Local initiatives are underway to reduce risks, including educational campaigns and property inspections during periods of heightened fire danger. The B.C. Wildfire Service mentioned that they are closely monitoring lower-risk fires, and efforts to address the “overwintering” fires in the province’s northeast began back in February, focusing on critical hot spots during frozen conditions.
According to information officer Erika Berg, dry conditions are expected to persist in the northeast region over the weekend, with variable winds and sporadic precipitation forecasted for certain areas. Berg advised the public to exercise caution with fire usage, especially as human-induced wildfires tend to emerge in the spring before lightning becomes a significant factor later in the season.
The B.C. Wildfire Service dashboard indicates that there are currently 33 active wildfires in the province, with 10 classified as out of control, 17 under control, and the remaining six being held. Residents are urged to stay informed and adhere to fire prohibitions and restrictions in place to prevent further escalation of wildfires in the region.