Cool weather, rain bring relief to Fort Nelson firefighters
Posted May 15, 2024 3:20 pm.
Last Updated May 16, 2024 6:35 pm.
As wildfires encroach on Fort Nelson, BC Wildfire Service officials say weather has given them a much-needed break.
A low-pressure system is bringing much-anticipated cooler temperatures and light rain to the area.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Parker Lake Fire reached over 120 square kilometres in size, and firefighters are also dealing with several large holdover fires that have been sparked back to life.
Sarah Hall, an information officer with the BC Wildfire service, told CityNews that though the rain won’t be enough to put out the huge fires burning near Fort Nelson, it will improve conditions.
“This weather system will reduce the likelihood of intense fire activity. We are seeing light precipitation in the forecast and this will further dampen fire conditions, and lower the risk of fire spread,” said Hall.
B.C. Premier David Eby commended the efforts of wildfire crews Tuesday.
Speaking at an unrelated news conference, 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 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, ” the premier said.
On Monday, Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Mayor Rob Fraser estimated that 3,500 people had evacuated the area.
—With files from Hana Mae Nassar
