A wildfire burning east of Tumbler Ridge has doubled in size to 100 hectares since Friday morning.
However, BC Wildfire Service says residents of Tumbler Ridge and Kelly Lake can feel safe.
The fire began Thursday along Highway 52, about 45 kilometres east of Tumbler Ridge, and is believed to be human-caused. Crews responded quickly, and officials report that containment efforts are already paying off.
“There is no threat to communities at this time,” said Jean Strong of the BC Wildfire Service, adding that firefighters have built a machine guard on one side of the fire and are working to strengthen containment on the western flank.
“We were able to get resources on this fire very quickly,” she said. “That quick response has really helped keep it from spreading too much.”
Though winds caused some early growth, officials report there are no structures currently at risk.
The Wildfire Service says the fire is moving east toward the BC–Alberta border, burning about 15 kilometres south of the southernmost point of last year’s massive Kiskatinaw River Wildfire, which reached 266,000 square kilometres.
With cooler weather and possible showers expected over the May long weekend, crews are hopeful conditions will keep improving. “We’re expecting weather that should work in our favour,” Strong said. “That’ll help firefighters make even more progress in the coming days.”
Highway 52E is closed due to a wildfire between Thunder Creek Recreation Site and Sunderman Pit. With the long weekend coming up and more people heading outdoors, the Wildfire Service is reminding everyone to be careful in the backcountry.
“Many of our spring fires are human-caused,” Strong said, urging people to avoid activities that could spark a fire, like using off-road vehicles without spark arrestors or having open flames.
Officials also advise following burning restrictions, avoiding parking on dry grass, and reporting any new fires right away by calling *5555 or using the BC Wildfire Service app.
-wit files from M. Popove/CJDC
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