‘Extreme drought’ in area of early-season wildfire near Chetwynd

B.C.’s first wildfire evacuation order of this season lasted under 24 hours, but local officials say dry conditions mean the risk is still high.

Mike Bernier, the MLA for Peace River South, says there’s “no moisture in the area,” which saw hardly any snowpack this winter.

He says the early-season wildfire was discovered “really close” to a small subdivision about four kilometres outside Chetwynd, on Wednesday afternoon.

Bernier says the blaze flared up and quickly grew to 50 hectares, prompting an evacuation order from the Peace River Regional District.

The order was downgraded to an evacuation alert Thursday, with residents told to remain ready to leave on short notice.

Julia Nelson, acting mayor of Chetwynd, says the order affected 67 homes.

BC Wildfire Service says rain supported efforts

While concerns remain about drought conditions, the BC Wildfire Service says its efforts near Chetwynd received some support from the weather Wednesday into Thursday.

Crews took advantage of some rain to battle the 50-hectare, out-of-control wildfire burning near the community.

Public information officer Sharon Nickel says the fire was human-caused, and is asking the public to be vigilant when it comes to outdoor activities.

“Obviously, a wildfire can start at any time, and knowing that conditions across the fire centre are quite dry, it would be important for folks just to get prepared,” Nickel explained.

She says winds have died down a bit in the area, further helping crews.