The wildfire season in Northeast B.C. is off to one of its slowest starts in recent years, a sharp contrast to the same period last year.
On June 11, 2025, the region was dealing with 63 wildfires, including 39 considered “out of control.”
That early-season surge included major fires such as the Kiskatinaw River wildfire south of Dawson Creek and the Pocket Knife Creek wildfire northwest of Fort St. John, both of which prompted evacuation orders.
Several large fires were also burning in the Fort Nelson region.
The smoke was impacting air quality far beyond Northeast B.C., reaching Alberta, the prairies, parts of the United States and even eastern Canada.
A year later, the story is completely different. According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, there are currently only three active wildfires in Northeast B.C, all located north of Wonowon.
None are larger than 1.5 hectares and all are classified as being held.
Christi Howes, information officer for the Prince George Fire Department, says a combination of favourable weather and responsible behaviour from residents has helped keep fire activity low so far.
Howes says weather patterns have been significantly less stable than they were a year ago, helping to avoid long stretches of dry conditions.
“Last year, we had very warm and dry conditions early, but this spring has been cooler and wetter,” she said.
In addition, Howes says the public has played an important role in reducing wildfire risk when conducting open burning.
“People are following guidance around open burning and it’s making a noticeable difference this year,” she said.
However, Howes warns that wildfire risk can increase rapidly as conditions change, adding that residents must remain vigilant.
The forecast calls for warmer temperatures over the weekend, approaching 30 C.
The rest of the province is also seeing low fire activity, with 12 active wildfires reported.