FORT ST. JOHN -- Update: The Wildfire has now grown to over 600 hecatres in size as of 1:54 p.m. today. 

An Evacuation Order has been expanded for the Doig River First Nation due to the threat posed by a wildfire burning out of control 45 kilometres northwest of Fort St. John.

“The fire continues to grow, the majority of the growth has been on the Northern /Eastern flanks due to wind direction,” said the Doig River First Nation in a social media post.

The First Nation adds that the wind direction is pushing the fire away from the Doig River, but the fire is still posing a potential danger to life and health.

The Evacuation Order is in effect for the following areas:

  • Km 5.75 on Doig Road
  • North to Road PDR MC9
  • East for 6.75 Km
  • South to Doig Road
  • West to Km 5.75 on Doig Road

“The fire fighters and crews will continue their tireless work into the evening and will provide a further update when/if the situation changes,” said the Doig River First Nation.

The Evacuation Order was issued by the Peace River Regional District under a recommendation from BC Wildfire.

“This Order does not affect First Nations communities or municipalities as they issue their own Orders and Alerts,” said the PRRD in a statement.

The fire has since grown to over 590 hectares in size and is believed to be human caused.

Residents are being asked to gather at the Emergency Service Centre at the North Peace Arena located at 9805 96th Avenue, Fort St. John.

The PRRD has also issued an Evacuation Alert due to the threat posed by the Doig River Wildfire.

The Evacuation Alert is now in effect for the following areas:

  • Km 28 of Siphon Creek Road to Km 36 of Siphon Creek Road
  • Northeast to Road PDR Osborn Access and continue East to end of road
  • North for 5 Km
  • West for 16.82 Km
  • South to Km 28 of Siphon Creek Road

The PRRD is reminding residents and visitors of the area to be prepared to leave on short notice.

The Doig River is asking anyone in need of transportation assistance from the area to contact (778) 715-9725.

CJDC-TV will continue to update this story as we learn more information.