Evacuation orders, alerts issued due to wildfire south of Prince George, B.C.
Evacuation orders and alerts have been issued for a handful of properties in the north-central B.C. community of Hixon, just south of Prince George, due to a nearby wildfire discovered on Friday. The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George issued the orders and alerts at 9:45 p.m. PT on Friday, with five rural properties on evacuation order and another five on alert.
The Naver Creek wildfire was discovered just northwest of Hixon on Friday afternoon. Karley Desrosiers, an information officer for the B.C. Wildfire Service, stated that air tankers were deployed to help fight the fire. Fortunately, a small amount of rain helped reduce fire behavior, allowing crews to make progress. The fire did not experience significant growth overnight.
As of Saturday morning, there were nearly 40 wildfires burning in B.C., with the Naver Creek wildfire covering an area of 70 hectares, approximately 54 kilometers south of Prince George. The fire was producing a large amount of smoke near Highway 97, but forecasts indicated that the highway would not be affected by the wildfire.
Despite the progress made, Desrosiers warned of potential strong gusty winds as a cold front passed through the province. An evacuation order requires residents to leave immediately, while an evacuation alert means residents should prepare to leave their homes with little notice.
The orders and alerts for the Hixon area were issued as a precautionary measure due to unpredictable winds. Desrosiers emphasized the importance of caution and containment efforts.
In the northeast, the B.C. Wildfire Service highlighted unseasonably dry conditions throughout the province. Most fires were caused by human activity, prompting a warning to avoid open burning in dry grassy areas.
Temperatures reached 27°C in some areas, higher than expected for this time of year. Crews continued to make progress on other wildfires in the northeast, including those near Fort St. John and Tumbler Ridge. Overall, there was a reduction in fire activity, but close monitoring of winds was necessary to prevent further escalation.
The wildfire situation in B.C. remains a priority, with efforts focused on containment and public safety. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed and follow evacuation orders as necessary.
