By Spencer Hall
The wildfire near Cedarside, just outside of Valemount, is now listed as being held on the BC Wildfire Service dashboard – meaning it is not expected to grow beyond its current perimeter. It sparked on Saturday afternoon near Canoe River Forest Road, and grew to 9.5 hectares.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, according to the dashboard.
The fire prompted the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George to issue an evacuation order for the surrounding area, which was rescinded later that evening. An evacuation alert for areas of Valemount was also issued, though it was rescinded before the Regional District clarified which areas were under alert.
A wildfire of unknown cause sparked near Cedarside, just outside of Valemount on Saturday afternoon. The eight-hectare blaze is located near Canoe River Forest Road.
Valemount firefighters are on scene aided by a bucket helicopter.
The Goat reached out to the BC Wildfire Service for more information about the fire and their response, and the Regional District of Fraser Fort George regarding potential evacuation alerts or orders due to the fire, but did not receive a response by publication time.
MLA Shirley Bond says she has contacted Valemount Mayor Owen Torgerson and RDFFG Director Danielle Alan who have been in touch with Minister of Emergency Management Bowinn Ma.
“She [Ma] has assured me that they are diverting resources recognizing the need for quick action,” Bond said.
Meanwhile, Ma posted on X (formerly Twitter) stating that BCWS is responding to the “aggressive fire” outside of Valemount.
“We are working closely with local authorities on fire suppression efforts and preparing for possible evacuations. Please follow all instructions from your local government or First Nation,” Ma’s post said.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is available
