Held wildfires now ‘out of control’ in southeastern Fraser Valley

The BC Wildfire Service is responding to “out-of-control” fires in the eastern parts of the Fraser Valley which had previously been held.

In a tweet, the wildfire service says the fires are in EC Manning Provincial Park and Skagit Valley Provincial Park. Crews also continue to respond to the Heather Creek wildfire, which is burning out of control at nearly 1,500 hectares.

The #BCWildfire Service continues to respond to several lightning-caused fires in EC Manning Park and Skagit Park, including the Heather Creek wildfire (V11746) located on the southeast side of the park adjacent, to #BCHwy3. pic.twitter.com/YmSeTbj9Qx

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) October 16, 2022

The Heather Creek wildfire was first reported in late August and was classified as “being held” in September. But the wildfire service has since upgraded it back to “out of control,” adding there are 17 firefighters responding, along with “additional support resources.”

Smoky conditions will continue in the Fraser Valley because of these wildfires. An air quality advisory is currently in place for much of that region, along with Metro Vancouver.

Dry and warm conditions around the province have prompted the wildfire season to be extended in the province.

Related Stories: 

• More hot weather, air quality statement continues in Metro Vancouver

• Air quality advisory expanded to Metro Vancouver and the Central Fraser Valley

• Wildfire season continues with dozens of fires burning across B.C.

As of Sunday, there are 210 wildfires burning, including 15 that have sparked in the last two days.

There have been over 1,700 wildfires in total in British Columbia this year, with 65 of those reported over the past week.

Editor’s Note: This article and headline have been updated to provide clarity — there are no new fires in the Fraser Valley region.