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Fort Nelson First Nation rescinds Evacuation Order for its Fontas Reserve

A helicopter lands with crews returning from fighting wildfires near Fort McMurray, Alta., Thursday, May 16, 2024. The mayor of the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality in B.C. says drones are endangering helicopters being used to fight wildfires near Fort Nelson, which was ordered evacuated earlier this month. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

The Fort Nelson First Nation has rescinded the Evacuation Order for its Fontas reserve. The reserve is southeast of Fort Nelson, where a trio of wildfires is burning near Sikanni Old Growth Provincial Park.

The first nation said the risk of imminent danger to life and property has passed.

One of the fires is burning near the Fort Nelson River has grown in size to 12,409 hectares in size. Two other fires are burning east of the provincial park.

All three are burning out of control and are thought to be caused by lightning. The first nation said an Evacuation Alert or Order could be re-issued if conditions change.