FORT ST. JOHN -- According to B.C Wildfire, the Donnie Creek fire has now grown to 240,480 hectares, making it one of the biggest wildfires in provincial history.
The fire grew over the weekend, mainly due to the two successfully planned ignitions.
The weather is one of the biggest factors contributing to the size of the fire. Fire crews are currently preparing for above-seasonal temperatures and strong winds for the next 24 to 48 hours.
“It will be dry and there will be a ridge moving in as the week progresses, which could bring above seasonal temperatures,” explains Julia Caranci, B.C Wildfire’s information officer. “We're going to be having some stronger winds tomorrow. So those winds will be out of the west and quite gusty.”
They are conducting structure protection and more planned ignitions on the south flank of the fire.
There are 13 helicopters, 145 firefighters, and 18 pieces of heavy equipment that are working at the complex.
As for the Klua Lakes fire, it remains out of control and is currently at 30,697 hectares.
“It is very possible that people will continue to see smoke in the area related to those fires, especially if we have an extended period of time with no precipitation and stronger winds,” says Caranci.
