Under the current and forecasted conditions, fire activity is expected to increase across northeast B.C. and the Fort Nelson area in particular. A dry cold front is expected to cross the Fort Nelson zone mid-afternoon Friday and, while no lightning is expected during this time, wind gusts may exceed 70 kilometres per hour and shift direction rapidly.
These conditions are likely to contribute to continued new growth on holdover fires from the 2023 season, resulting in visible smoke from Fort Nelson and along the Alaska Highway and Highway 77 corridors.
Observed fire activity in the Fort Nelson zone is heavily influenced by local conditions, including the persistent drought experienced across the Prince George Fire Centre since the fall of 2022. Reports from personnel also indicate that conditions around active fire areas are more typical of those seen in the late summer, with danger trees and ash pits challenging fire suppression activities that would normally be taking place.
The top priorities of the BC Wildfire Service are life, health and safety of responders and public. The Prince George Fire Centre is actively working with municipal partners, industry and other government ministries to ensure these priorities are achieved. An Incident Management Team (IMT) will be assuming command in the zone effective Friday, May 10, 2024 and additional resources are on standby through the weekend.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone, or directly through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.
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