The Prince George Fire Centre responded to 37 new fires over the long weekend, after multiple lightning systems moved through many areas of the fire centre.
The largest of these new fires is at Peta Mountain, about 20 kilometres north of the north shore of Fraser Lake, which was first reported Monday afternoon. The fire grew rapidly and is now estimated at approximately 350 hectares in size. Multiple airtankers worked to establish retardant lines around the fire yesterday. Crews supported by helicopters were on site and heavy equipment arrived over night. Smoke from this fire may be highly visible from many areas including Fort St. James.
A fire in the Stony Lake area, about 80 kilometres southeast of Prince George, was first reported overnight on Saturday. Multiple airtankers and helicopters worked on the fire Sunday, and two 20 person unit crews were on site yesterday. One 20 person unit crew supported by a helicopter is continuing to work to protect forestry values in the area today. The fire is now estimated at approximately 30 hectares in size.
Most of the other fires in the fire centre remained small. There are 21 active fires in the Prince George Fire Centre and 20 of these are in southern and western areas.
The numerous phone reports received from the public over the long weekend allowed the Wildfire Management Branch to respond to the fires quickly and efficiently, and we thank everyone who took the time to notify us of fire starts. To report a wildfire, or unattended campfire, call *5555 on your cellular phone or toll-free at 1-800 663-5555.
In areas southwest of Mackenzie, including Prince George, Vanderhoof and Fort Saint James the fire danger rating is high to extreme. In other areas of the fire centre the danger rating is predominantly moderate to low.
The Prince George Fire Centre covers an area from the Yukon and the Northwest territories in the North to Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, the Cottonwood River and the Robson Valley in the South; and from the Alberta border in the East to the Skeena Mountains in the West.
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