(Euchiniko Lakes fire southwest of Prince George.  Photo courtesy BC Wildlife Management Branch)

Prince George, B.C. – Efforts to contain two wildfires raging in northern B.C. are being hampered somewhat by strong winds and hot, dry weather.

The Red Deer Creek fire, 61 kilometres southeast of Tumbler Ridge, now covers 4,500 hectares, is very active and zero percent contained.  And the fire behavior is expected to increase today with the prevailing weather conditions.

120 firefighters, 5 helicopters and 10 pieces of heavy equipment are assigned to the fire at this time.  200 workers employed at two oil and gas work camps remain on evacuation order during this interface fire, which was caused by a lightning strike last Sunday.

Meantime, the wildfire on the north side of Euchiniko Lakes, southwest of Prince George, is estimated at 334 hectares and remains very active.  A lightning strike started that blaze on Tuesday.

40 firefighters, 3 helicopters and 9 pieces of heavy equipment continue to battle that fire.