Update: from Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Wildfire Management Branch
A news release updated the Little Bobtail Lake Fire that is burning three kilometres south of Norman Lake, "Has grown significantly over the last 24 hours and is now burning an area of approximately 8000 hectares. This fire is showing unpredictable and aggressive fire behaviour."
At this time there are 120 firefighters, five helicopters and 10 pieces of heavy equipment responding to the fire. Four Air Tractor AT-802F "Fire Boss" amphibious air tankers are supporting Wildfire Management Branch crews. The air tankiers can drop water, foam or retardant to suppress the fire.
The release added, "Operations are running around the clock on this incident. The current objective of firefighting efforts is to protect structures in the area without compromising the safety of Wildfire Management Branch crews."
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Vanderhoof – A fire burning three kilometres south of Norman Lake has initiated an evacuation of residents.
The Ministry of Forests’ wildfire management branch issued the Little Bobtail Lake Fire Evacuation Order Sunday, May 10. The fire is estimated to be 2,500 hectares in size.
Jill Kelsh, communications for wildfire management branch, said Monday the fire grew overnight.
“It’s hard to say how long it might last but based on the sunny forecast we are expecting it will stay active and its about getting [residents out] and the resources there,” Kelsh said.
The affected area starts at the intersection of the Bobtail Forest Service Road and Blackwater Road, south to the Bobtail Connector Forest Service Road, and includes all lands east of the Bobtail Forest Service Road and the Bobtail Connector Forest Service Road to the eastern boundary of the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako Electoral Area ‘F’ (Vanderhoof Rural), including the Little Bobtail Lake, Naltesby Lake, and Eulatazella Lake.
Residents within the evacuation order area must leave immediately and register at the Reception Centre located at the Vanderhoof arena at 340 Columbia St. East.
Fraser Fort George also has an evacuation order in place across the regional district boundary, Bill Miller, chair of the RDBN said.
“It’s bigger than just our region. We also have an alert area be yond the evacuation area as well,” said Miller