Mt. McAllister fire near Chetwynd – image courtesy BC Wildfire Branch

Prince George, B.C.-There are now 16 active wildfires in the Prince George Fire Centre. Four of these are in modified response and are being actively monitored by Wildfire Management Branch personnel, while 12 have active fire suppression occurring.

There are currently seven fires of note with in the Prince George Fire Centre:

– Mt. McAllister fire: 8500 hectares (estimated), this is a modified response fire that is blowing smoke and ash in to nearby communities.

– Tenakihi fire: 7000 hectares (estimated), crews are working on the western portion of the fire to protect roadways and values.

– Mugaha and Morfee Lake fires: east of Mackenzie. Estimated at 200 and 175 hectares. Crews, heavy equipment and helicopters are responding to both fires with the primary objectives of building containment to prevent either fire from spreading towards the Rocky Mountain Trench and the town of Mackenzie.

– Salmon Lake fire: 450 hectares (estimated), this fire is currently burning on the west side of Salmon Lake and is very active at this time.

– Red Deer Creek fire: 4500 hectares (estimated), fire is currently 30% contained and crews are continuing to make good progress. An Evacuation Order remains in effect for nearby work camps.

– Euchiniko fire: 2000 hectares (estimated), An Incident Management Team and crews continue to work on containing this incident. An Evacuation Order remains in place for the Kluskus Indian Reserve, and for a fishing lodge in the area.

All fires are currently very active, and therefore information about their status is changing frequently.

Currently there are more than 400 firefighters, 100 response officers, 45 helicopters and a multitude of heavy equipment working throughout the region. As well, three airtanker groups are currently stationed within the Fire Centre to support crews on the ground.

The fire danger rating is currently "high" to "extreme" throughout the entire Prince George Fire Centre. All Category 2 and 3 open fires are banned throughout the entire region, excluding the Fort Nelson Fire Zone.