Recently, near Fort Nelson in British Columbia, a dangerous wildfire has spread over 50 square kilometers, with officials warning that the blaze is expected to become even more unstable in the next 48 hours.
According to CTV News on May 13th, Bowinn Ma, the Emergency Preparedness Minister, provided the latest update on the Parker Lake wildfire, stating that workers in the northeast of the province are facing “extremely challenging conditions.”
She mentioned that the ongoing drought has led to extremely dry conditions in the mountainous areas of the region, without any precipitation in sight and the potential for strong winds at any moment.
Cliff Chapman of the BC Wildfire Service stated that on Monday afternoon, there will be a west wind blowing at speeds of 30 kilometers per hour, expected to continue for the next 48 hours, with uncertainty on its duration.
Last Friday, residents of Fort Nelson and the Fort Nelson First Nation were ordered to evacuate, forcing approximately 4,700 people to flee their homes as the fire burned about 2.5 kilometers outside the community.
When asked if this was the earliest evacuation order issued in relation to wildfires in the province, Ma mentioned that while not unprecedented, it is quite rare to have so many people receiving evacuation orders at this time.
Ma also mentioned that every evacuee has been connected with the accommodation and services they need, emphasizing the importance of people following orders for their safety, especially with the expected high winds in the coming hours and days.
Near Fort Nelson, two additional wildfires have prompted evacuation orders for another 80 homes.
Regarding the extent of damage, whether any structures have been affected, and the expected overall impact, Ma declined to provide details, stressing that the focus is on firefighting, ensuring the safety of evacuees, and providing support during this challenging time.
She mentioned that questions about losses, both those that have occurred over the weekend and those predicted in the future, should not be discussed at this time.
On Monday afternoon, Fort Nelson’s mayor informed CTV News that he is in contact with municipal and provincial firefighters in town, but due to the high danger levels, they cannot assess the extent of the damage as they are unable to enter the fire zone.
Rob Fraser stated that emergency operations and most equipment have been relocated to Pink Mountain, enabling continuity in government operations and preparations in case the worst scenarios unfold, requiring them to function as a local government beyond the affected area.
Chapman underscored that the primary task remains protecting the community, with provincial personnel receiving support from local firefighters, and currently not requiring reinforcements from other provinces or territories, reassuring everyone of their ability to mobilize and access resources promptly when needed.
Currently, 69 BC Wildfire Service firefighters have been assigned to the Parker Lake fire, supported by 19 helicopters, 17 pieces of heavy equipment, and dozens of personnel specializing in building protection.