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Fire Danger Rating ‘high to extreme’ in many areas across Northeast BC

A burning ban warning sign is seen in the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet, Man., on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Parts of Whiteshell Provincial Park that are a safe distance away from an out-of-control wildfire are set to reopen. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Steve Lambert

With 27 wildfires burning across Northeast BC dry conditions are cause for concern. The BC Wildfire Service says the danger rating is extreme in some areas of the Northeast and is moderate to high in most other areas.

The fire danger rating is listed ‘extreme’ just west of Chetwynd, east of Fort St. John and near Halfway River.

The rating is high for Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Tumbler Ridge, Chetwynd and Fort Nelson.

The Wildfire Service said a high danger rating means the forests are very dry and the fire risk is serious. New fires may start easily, burn vigorously and challenge fire suppression efforts.

A wildfire is burning out of control, east of the Redfern Kelly Provincial Park. The fire was discovered on Monday, 17 kilometres northwest of Buckinghorse River.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, the fire is thought to have been caused by a lightning strike. It has grown to 118 hectares in size and is expected to spread beyond its current perimeter.

There’s currently a Category 2 and 3 Open Burning Ban in place for Northeast BC. The public is being reminded to take care and report any fires as quickly as possible.

Wildfire Danger Rating high to extreme in many parts of Northeast BC. Picture of the Fire Danger Rating for May 22nd, 2025 courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service