'Threatening structures' Parker Lake Wildfire now within 2 km of Fort Nelson

FORT NELSON -- The BC Wildfire Service has projected that the Parker Lake wildfire burning out of control near Fort Nelson could reach the town by Monday morning.

The Prince George Fire Centre has imposed an Area Restriction Order for the vicinity of the impacted area that will now make it illegal for a person to enter without written authorization from an official designated under the Wildfire Act.

The restrictions are set to remain in place until October 15^th, 2024, unless otherwise called off by the BC Wildfire Service. Fines of up to $1,150 may be imposed for those caught violating the restrictions for reasons outside of approved mandates, such as travelling to and from a residence or supporting wildfire suppression efforts. 

Provincial Operations Director Cliff Chapman and Fire Behaviour Specialist Ben Boghean provided an update on the fire in a video posted to social media Sunday.

“If you are still in Fort Nelson or anywhere in the Evacuation Order of the Parker Lake Wildfire, I encourage you to leave,” said Chapman.

The wildfire was discovered on May 10^th west of Fort Nelson, and forced the evacuation of some 3,000 area residents.

“Extreme winds and dry conditions drove this fire towards the community of Fort Nelson,” said Chapman.

Chapman added that the BC Wildfire Service and the Fort Nelson Fire Department have remained active in a 24-hour response to protect structures, build guards, and conduct are operations.

“Due to increased risks, increased winds and increased potential fire activity, the BC Wildfire Service, Incident management team, and Incident Command Post as well as the Emergency Operations Centre of the regional district have made the decision to relocate to a safer location for the next number of days,” said Chapman.

Chapman says the relocation is to ensure the safety of first responders on the ground at battling the wildfire.

The response to the wildfire includes 70 firefighters, 16 helicopters, 17 pieces of heavy equipment and structure protection specialists.

“Due to the aggressive and extreme fire behaviour, we strongly recommend people avoid travel in and around the Fort Nelson area,” said Chapman.

The Wildfire Service adds that area highways will remain closed for at least the next 48 hours.

According to DriveBC, Highway 77 remains closed along with Highway 97 north of Fort Nelson.

According to the latest information provided by the BCWS, the fire is now measured to be at just over 5200 hectares in size. 

“As of 15:00 on May 12^th, the Parker Creek Wildfire is threatening structures along the Old Alaska Highway west of Fort Nelson,” said Boghean.

Boghean added that the next 48 hours will be challenging for the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality due to forecasted westerly winds and extreme dry and volatile fuels in the area.

“As winds pickup overnight on May 12^th and extend through the day on May 13^th, it will create an extreme fire behaviour environment that will challenge current control lines and pose a safety concern to our wildfire personnel and emergency services,” said Boghean.

Boghean says an anticipated reduction in fire behaviour is forecasted for May 14^th as wind speeds reduce, but the threat will remain until the town receives precipitation.

Environment Canada is forecasting a mix of sun and cloud and highs reaching up to 20 degrees for Fort Nelson heading into next week.

The fire is expected to continue spreading west-southwest toward Highway 97 and the Fort Nelson First Nation with a “timed impact” at 6 p.m. Monday.

“The next 48 hours will be challenging for the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality given forecasted westerly winds and extreme dry and volatile fuels in the area,” Boghean said.

“As winds pick up overnight it will create an extreme fire behaviour environment that will challenge current control lines and pose a safety concern to our wildfire personnel and emergency services.”

The BCWS is expecting fire behaviour to decrease on Tuesday when the wind dies down, but it wont relent much until there’s rain.

Northeastern B.C. has experienced years of drought and a below-normal snowpack this winter, which makes forests susceptible to new fire starts and rapid rates of spread, Boghean explained.

Residents urged to leave

During the update, BCWS director of provincial operations Cliff Chapman urged people to avoid travelling in and around Fort Nelson due to “extreme and aggressive” fire activity, and for anyone who has not yet heeded the evacuation order to leave.

“The fuels are as dry as we’ve ever seen. The wind will be sustained and it’s going to push the fire towards the community,” he said. “Escape routes may be compromised and visibility will be poor as the fire continues to grow.”

On Sunday, Mayor Rob Fraser told The Canadian Press that there were still about 37 households in Fort Nelson and another 28 in the surrounding area that had not yet evacuated.

The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality posted to social media Saturday evening, warning that the risk associated with the fire is ongoing and expected to escalate.

"Know that the decision to evacuate has not been made lightly and is based on careful assessment and expert advice, with the safety of residents being at the forefront," the Facebook post said.

The "last chance" to get evacuation assistance form the Emergency Operations Centre in Fort Nelson before it closes and relocates south of the community will be Sunday at noon, the NRRM warned.

"At this time, all residents who are currently remaining within the community are strongly urged to reconsider and evacuate immediately. You are our friends, family and neighbours. Please stay safe," the post concludes.

With files from Lisa Steacy and Kaija Jussinoja CTVNewsVancouver.ca