A major fire broke out late Thursday afternoon in Fort St. John. RCMP are going door-to-door north of Fish Creek issuing tactical evacuations as a result of the fire.
The BC Wildfire Service says the fire is suspected to be human caused. The blaze has since exploded to 110 hectares in size.
Flights at the North Peace Regional Airport have also been temporarily grounded. The airport said the move is due to active firefighting operations northwest of the airport.
“This airspace restriction is in place to support BC Wildfire crews as they work to contain the fire in the region. The airport is actively assisting with fire operations,” the airport said in a statment.
Flight delays are expected, so travellers are being asked to check directly with their airline for the latest departure and arrival updates.
The airport added that ground operations will remain paused until BC Wildfire releases the airspace.
The Wildfire Service said. “We are supporting the Fort St. John Fire Department in responding to the Fish Creek wildfire. BC Wildfire Service crews, helicopters, and airtankers are on site and working alongside the Fort St. John, Taylor, and Charlie Lake Fire Departments.’
Traffic was backed up on the East Bypass as fire crews rushed to the scene. Fort St. John RCMP has closed off some roads and have blocked off the northbound lane of Rose Prairie Road.
The fire broke out just before 4pm near Northern Lights College in the Fish Creek Community Forest.
Smoke could be seen for miles across the city. So far, there is no word if any structures have been destroyed.
People are being asked to stay away from the area. The City of Fort St. John will be providing more information as it becomes available.
This is developing story.