The Peace River Regional District issued an Evacuation Alert Thursday as the Pocket Knife Creek Wildfire continues to burn out of control.
The alert encompasses Highway 97 in the Buckinghorse area, stretching from mile 170 to mile 180.
The following area is under the Alert:
- Encompassing Highway 97 in the Buckinghorse area
- From the Buckinghorse River bridge,1.5 km south on highway 97N
- From Highway 97N, Easterly 1.8 km
- Northerly for 10 km
- Westerly for 4.45 km
- Southerly for .6 km to Highway 97N
- Continuing southerly for 7.11 km
- Easterly 2 km to highway 97N
The fire has grown in size to 7,733 hectares. Getting to the blaze has proven difficult. Helicopters and air tankers are fighting the blaze from above, while 76 firefighters are currently on scene.
It has being described as a highly vigourous surface fire. The blaze has been displaying rank 4 and 5 fire behaviour.
Tt was discovered on May 17th and was brought under control on May 27th. Due to hot temperatures and high winds, the fire started burning out of control once again late last week.