Close X
Sunday, November 10, 2024
ADVT 
National

Wildfire growth prompts another evacuation order in northeastern B.C.

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 14 May, 2024 10:29 AM
  • Wildfire growth prompts another evacuation order in northeastern B.C.

A wildfire just outside the community of Fort Nelson has grown as residents in British Columbia's northeast receive more evacuation orders.

An updated estimate from the BC Wildfire Service says the blaze spans 84 square kilometres, a significant increase since Monday, when it was mapped at about 53 square kilometres in size.

Forecasts are calling for wind that may blow the fire closer to Fort Nelson, where the community of about 4,700 and the neighbouring Fort Nelson First Nation have been under an evacuation order since Friday.

Areas subject to mandatory evacuation in B.C.'s northeast have increased, with the latest order Monday for Doig River First Nation and the Peace River Regional District as a fire threatens nearby. 

The district told residents to grab what they need and drive south to an evacuation centre in Fort St. John.

Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Mayor Rob Fraser says staff at the emergency operations centre have been calling as many residents as they could and managed to convince some who stayed behind to leave.

Fraser says he suspects about 50 residents are still in town, along with plenty of other essential and critical staff.

"This is really going to be weather dependent, and so far the weather has been holding with us," Fraser said in a video posted to Facebook. He said winds Sunday kept the flames from moving any closer into town.

He also said there is still electricity and water in Fort Nelson, but power is of particular concern for evacuees worried about their homes.

One drawback of the evacuation, Fraser said, is that it has been a challenge for essential staff, including firefighters, to get food.

The blaze is one of several burning across Western Canada.

A fire close to Cranberry Portage in northwest Manitoba forced about 550 residents from their homes, while a fire that prompted an evacuation alert in Fort McMurray, Alta., appeared to be holding about 16 kilometres southeast of the city.

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Man found dead in Surrey

Man found dead in Surrey
B-C's police watchdog says it is investigating the death of a man in Surrey.  The Independent Investigations Office says police responded to a report of threats being made in a domestic dispute yesterday. 

Man found dead in Surrey

Cyclist injured in crash

Cyclist injured in crash
West Shore Mounties say a cyclist was seriously injured after a crash involving a vehicle in View Royal. Police say officers responded to the scene yesterday around 4:45 P-M and found the 55-year-old cyclist with life-threatening injuries.   

Cyclist injured in crash

Global Affairs says two more Canadians have died in Ukraine-Russia war

Global Affairs says two more Canadians have died in Ukraine-Russia war
Global Affairs Canada says two more Canadians have died in the war between Ukraine and Russia, bringing the total number of Canadians killed in that conflict to 11. An obituary for Alain Derasp says the veteran of the Canadian Forces Royal 22nd Regiment and father of four died in Ukraine on Feb. 27.

Global Affairs says two more Canadians have died in Ukraine-Russia war

Bell CEO summoned to committee over job cuts after not finding time to appear

Bell CEO summoned to committee over job cuts after not finding time to appear
Members of Parliament have summoned the head of Bell Canada to testify next month about the company's decision to cut thousands of jobs across the country.  CEO Mirko Bibic was originally invited to appear before the Canadian Heritage committee on Feb. 29 and then March 19, but MPs say he has so far been unable to attend. 

Bell CEO summoned to committee over job cuts after not finding time to appear

B.C. e-bike company shares evidence on social media after brazen container theft

B.C. e-bike company shares evidence on social media after brazen container theft
Police in Delta say they're investigating a theft of a shipping container that contained thousands of dollars worth of electric bicycles.  Delta Police say a pair of suspects showed up at a warehouse lot on Annacis Island March 19 around 1 a.m. in a semi-trailer, connecting the container to the truck and driving away "within minutes."   

B.C. e-bike company shares evidence on social media after brazen container theft

Darpan 10 with The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Of Canada

Darpan 10 with The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Of Canada
Immigration Minister Marc Miller sheds light on the cap put on international students and the housing crisis. 

Darpan 10 with The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Of Canada