FORT NELSON -- Update: The wildfire that lead to this evacuation order is now being measured at 35,777 hectares in size, according the latest information from the BC Wildfire Service.

The fire was discovered on May 10th and sparked when dry lighting hit a hotspot of a holdover fire.

The wildfire is anticipated to grow and is actively burning out of control.

The Evacuation Order remains in place. 

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The Fort Nelson Fire Nation has issued an evacuation order for the Fontas Reserve due to the threat posed by a wildfire burning out of control in Sikanni Old Growth Provincial Park.

Residents and visitors within the Fontas area are being told to evacuate.

The Fort Nelson First Nation is asking those in the following areas to leave immediately due to the threat posed to human life:

  • Fontas 1 (06591) the geographical location of Peace River District, Lot 2318, approximately 10.10 hectares in the Klua Lakes area
  • 76 kilometers south east of the community of Fort Nelson First Nation
  • 61 kilometers northeast of the community of Prophet River
  • On the right bank of the Fontas River, 1 mile east of the mouth of the Sikanni River

The area is home to several cultural sites and a residence.

The Fort Nelson First Nation is asking the evacuees take the following steps:

  • Take an emergency survival kit with you.
  • Make sure you take prescription medicine and identification for the entire family.
  • Listen to the radio and follow instructions from local emergency officials.
  • If you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity.
  • Make arrangements for your pets. Local emergency officials will advise you.
  • Wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the conditions.
  • Lock your home.
  • Follow the routes specified by emergency officials. Don’t take shortcuts. A shortcut could take you to a blocked or dangerous area.
  • If you have time, leave a note telling others when you left and where you went. If you have a mailbox, you can leave the note there.
  • If you have time turn off all outside water sprinklers so water is conserved for firefighting efforts.

The Evacuation Order will remain in place for seven days unless cancelled by the First Nation.

Evacuees are being asked to contact the Fort Nelson First Nation for more information at 250-500-2656.

The First Nation is also asking residents to monitor their website and Facebook page for more information.

The Evacuation Order was issued by Sharleen Gale, Chief Councilor for the Fort Nelson First Nation on May 11, 2024.

According to the most current information from the BC Wildfire Service, the fire in the Sikanni Old Growth Provincial Park is currently 15,000 hectares in size and is suspected to have been re-ignited by a dry lightning strike that hit a hotspot of a holdover fire in the park.