Drought conditions spark more fire bans in Alberta, B.C.
KAMLO O P S , B . C . Tactical evacuations have started in northeastern British Columbia as wildfires tear through the area.
An update from the B.C. Wildfire Service Wednesday night said efforts are focused on protecting public life and safety in the Peace River Regional District and the District of Chetwynd, which are both within the Prince George Fire Centre.
The service said the fire covering approximately 50 hectares also forced the closure of Highway 97.
This year's wildfire season is off to an early start, with more than 170 blazes burning in British Columbia and Alberta, and both provinces issuing fire bans.
Drought conditions still cover much of B.C., and fire officials are worried about another challenging season after last year's record destruction, when fires scorched more than 28,000 square kilometres, destroyed hundreds of homes and displaced thousands of people.
In Alberta, wildfire officials announced Wednesday that very dry conditions had prompted a fire restriction across the province's entire forest protection area except the Calgary forest protection zone, which remains under a fire advisory.
It means outdoor fires and fireworks are prohibited on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas. Campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.
An evacuation order for residents near Cold Lake First Nations, about 300 kilometres northeast of Edmonton, has been rescinded.
The 1,800-hectare Burgess Creek fire about 600 kilometres north of Vancouver continues to burn out of control, while the 25-hectare blaze that had been threatening Endako, a further 400 kilometres northwest, has now been contained.
There have been 177 fires in B.C. this year, burning 2,055 hectares. Of the 115 now burning, 44 started in the third week of April.
In Alberta, 205 fires have burned 755 hectares this season, much higher than the five-year average for this time of year of 120 wildfires, or around 230 hectares burned. Fifty-eight fires are active.