By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG
The Beaver River Fire has grown to 500 hectares, about 250 hectares larger since the BC Wildfire Service’s most recent update on Sunday evening.
The Village of McBride has closed its office and activated its Emergency Operations Centre in light of the wildfire, according to a Village news release. The phone lines will remain open for EOC activities.
Information Officer for the BCWS, Sharon Nickel, said the fire is moving east – away from the Village of McBride. However, an evacuation order has been issued for ten properties east of McBride.
One helicopter has been assigned to fight the fire, alongside two initial attack crews, two contract crews, and a handful of single resources, according to Nickel.
The fire has been most active late in the evening, when aviation crews are unable to fight it, Nickel added.
“Crews are still there, they’re actioning when and where they can, where it’s safe to do so. But that will be limited based on fire activity, and where they can access flying to the fire,” she said.
A total of 19 fires are burning in the Robson Valley Fire Zone: three are being held, six are under control, and ten are out of control. 12 of those have been discovered since Friday, according to Nickel.
Two fires near Hailey Creek, in Dunster, have merged into a single fire, Nickel added. Named G31191 on the BCWS dashboard, the fire is about 120 hectares.
While the fire now has a larger perimeter than the previous two fires, this isn’t necessarily bad news, according to Nickel.
“When fires merge, that typically will take away the larger pockets of unburned fuel. There’s not as much there for the fire to consume,” she said. “And once two or three fires have merged, it’s a bit of a bigger fire, but you’re only dealing with one.”
Thunderstorms across the valley could ignite new fires, especially if there is lightning with no accompanying precipitation, Nickel said.
According to Nickel, about 40 per cent of wildfires are reported to BCWS by members of the public. Fires should be reported to BCWS’ toll-free number, 1-800-663-5555, or *5555 on a cell phone. They can also be reported through the BCWS app.
Nickel reminds residents to contact BCWS Information Officers with questions and concerns.
“This is why my team here in the fire centre exists,” she said. “If people do have questions or concerns, get ahold of us by email or phone.”
The Prince George Fire Centre can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 250-561-4629.
