B.C. fire crews continue controlled burns despite warm weather

It’s expected to be a warm weekend in British Columbia, and dry conditions might make fire behavior more active in the province, according to the BC Wildfire Service.

Two evacuation alerts are still in effect for the Peace River Regional District including Beatton Airport Road and the Siphon Creek Area.

The Beatton Airport Road fire, which is now 45 kilometres from Fort St. John, is still 15,000 hectares in size and 45 per cent contained.

Controlled burning has been initiated in the area, on the west side of the Alaska Highway. If conditions stay the same, more burn-offs will occur north of the Mile 260 Road on the south part of the fire, making smoke highly visible to residents in the area.

During these planned ignitions, a Fire Operations Chief, a Fire Behaviour Specialist and an Ignition Specialist are all part of the plan.

Fire crews are continuing to burn off forest fuels to better contain the fire. The public should expect to see plumes or columns of smoke as well as open flames.

Strong winds are not in the forecast for the weekend, a positive point for firefighters.

The second major fire in B.C., the Siphon Creek fire, is on Siphon Creek Road, just 4 km south of the Doig River First Nations community. The fire is about 58,630.0 hectares in size, split between Alberta and B.C., and is about 30 per cent contained.

Most open fires are prohibited in the Peace River Regional District after a fire ban was put in place at the end of April. Residents cannot burn garbage, light lanterns or torches, or set off fireworks.

Campfires are still being permitted as long as they are kept small in size. Anyone found going against the burning prohibition, could face tickets, fines up to $100,000 if convicted or one year in jail.

If you spot a #BCwildfire report it immediately to *5555 or 1 800 663-5555 pic.twitter.com/VjjjcqFRYq

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) May 13, 2016