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Out-of-control wildfire spurs evacuation order for properties in and around McBride, B.C.

The village of McBride, B.C., close to the B.C.-Alberta border, has issued an evacuation order for all properties north of McBride highway 16 within the village limits due to an out-of-control wildfire.

Blaze has grown to estimated 0.47 sq km in size; open burning ban in place for province's northeast

CBC News ·
Smoke from an out-of-control wildfire filles the sky in McBride, B.C.
An out-of control wildfire is burning six kilometres east of McBride, B.C. (Submitted by E.Bouwman)

A pair of out-of-control wildfires burning near the B.C.-Alberta border about 700 kilometres apart have prompted evacuation orders and an alert.

The Peace River Regional District has ordered residents of Goodlow and the surrounding region to immediately evacuate the area due to the threat of the Boundary Lake fire, which now covers approximately 19 square kilometres near the Alberta border east of Fort St. John.

Affected residents are being asked to evacuate immediately. Supports services are available at a reception centre that has been opened at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John.

The village of McBride, B.C., along with the Regional District of Fraser Fort George, issued an order for all properties north of McBride Highway 16 within the village limits due to the Teare Creek wildfire.

The blaze is considered out of control, which means it is spreading and not responding to suppression efforts. It is about six kilometers east of McBride and 200 kilometers east of Prince George.

Residents within evacuation order zones are being told to leave the area immediately. Evacuees are asked to register at the Robson Valley Community Centre where they will be connected with support services.

The regional district of Fraser-Fort George has also issued evacuation orders for nearby properties outside of McBride. Evacuees can also register at the Kin 3-CN Centre in Prince George for emergency support.

A wind warning has been issued for the Robson Valley zone with gusts of up to 50 kilometres an hour expected.

Ground and air crews have been brought into to fight the fire.

Alder Road near Highway 16 has been closed in both directions.

The wildfire service says it is believed to be human-caused.

Wildfire smoke can be seen from the village of McBride, B.C.
Wildfire smoke can be seen from the village of McBride, B.C. The Teare Creek wildfire has prompted evacuation orders for much of the village and surround area. (Submitted by E.Bouwman)

Burning bans in place

Sixty wildfires are burning across the province, the wildfire service said Friday.

Due to the elevated fire risk in the region, officials are implementing a fire ban for parts of northeastern B.C., including the Robson Valley.

Effective Friday at noon, Category 2 open burning — including the use of fireworks, sky lanterns and burn barrels — is banned in the Peace Forest District, the Fort Nelson Forest District and the Robson Valley Fire Zone.

Small campfires and the use of cooking stoves is still allowed in these regions.

The ban will be in place until June 2, unless it is rescinded earlier.

Coffee Creek fire being held

Meanwhile the Coffee Creek fire along Highway 97 north of Fort St. John continues to be held.

As of Friday afternoon, B.C. Wildfire said it was 60 hectares (0.6 square kilometres) in size.

A plane trailing fire retardant flies over treetops with the sun glowing through the rising smoke.
B.C. Wildfire crews are battling an out-of-control blaze along Highway 97 north of Fort St. John, B.C. (Fort St. John Fire Department/Facebook)

A smokey skies bulletin was issued for the North Peace River region

That fire temporarily closed Highway 97 Wednesday.

WIth files from the Canadian Press

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