Premier David Eby ‘incredibly proud’ of wildfire crews in Fort Nelson area

B.C. Premier David Eby is commending the efforts of wildfire crews, as they continue to battle an early start to the season up north.

Speaking at an unrelated news conference Tuesday, Eby said he is “incredibly proud” of the BC Wildfire Service and other emergency response teams who are dealing with the situation in the Fort Nelson area.

“The evacuations have expanded to Doig River and an additional community has been put on alert. But overnight, our wildfire team managed to hold the fire and ensure no structural loss overnight, which means no homes burned down, which is very positive news,” the premier said.

“The situation is still very fluid and very dependent on weather over the next 24 hours, and certainly I want to reassure the people who live in the Fort Nelson area, the Fort Nelson First Nation, residents of Fort Nelson, Doig River residents, that we are doing all we can to respond, to fight that fire, including crews working through the night. We will continue to do what is necessary to protect their homes.”

Eby also extended his appreciation to those who have opened their homes to wildfire evacuees, as well as communities who are taking those displaced by flames in.

As of Tuesday morning, the Parker Lake fire covered more than 84 square kilometres, up from 52 on Monday, fueled by gusty winds.

CityNews Meteorologist Michael Kuss said early Tuesday that wind would remain a concern through the day, though a shift is coming.

“Things will change, though, heading into Wednesday, as winds get lighter and move more out of the east. That will push the fire back on itself. For Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, at least, we should have that more easterly wind pushing the fire away from town,” he said.

Kuss also predicts more cloud cover and higher humidity with a chance for light precipitation in the region over the longer-range forecast.

-With files from Mike Lloyd and The Canadian Press