(Red Deer Creek fire southeast of Tumbler Ridge.  Photo courtesy Wildfire Management Branch)

Prince George, B.C. – Three oil and gas work camps have been ordered evacuated as the Red Deer Creek wildfire rages on,  61 kilometres southeast of Tumbler Ridge.

The estimated size of the fire remains at 4,500.0 hectares and is 0% contained.  Crews continue to work on the wildfire and heavy equipment is building firelines. If conditions permit burning of unburned fuels will occur today.

Crew and public safety is the highest priority.   Provincial officials say three, and not the previously reported two, work camps were all ordered evacuated in the face of the fire earlier this week, affecting 200 people.  Structural Protection Units have been set up on the oil and gas camps to the north of the fire.

It is being fought by 120 firefighters, 11 helicopters and 31 pieces of heavy equipment.

The wildfire burning on the north side of Euchiniko Lakes, southwest of Prince George, covers 410 hectares and is 10% contained.  However, provincial officials say it remains very active.

That fire is on the border between the Prince George and the Cariboo Fire Centres.  41 firefighters, 6 helicopters and 9 pieces of heavy equipment are battling the fire.  A specialized Incident Management Team has taken over the command and coordination for this fire.

Helicopters are continuing to bucket the fire to support ground crews. Crews are working on extinguishing hot spots on the south side of Euchiniko Lake.