The season’s first major wildfires have ravaged Western Canada, spreading to roughly 10,000 hectares (24,710 acres) and prompting the evacuation of around 3,500 people from their homes. The fires have caused authorities to issue warnings about poor air quality across provinces.
Rob Fraser, mayor of the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, revealed in a television interview that most residents in and around Fort Nelson, British Columbia, have been evacuated. Police have been conducting door-to-door checks to ensure everyone has left the area. Emergency medical services and essential amenities are unavailable for those who choose to remain in the affected areas.
The Parker Lake fire, one of three major wildfires near Fort Nelson, started after strong winds knocked a tree onto a power line, igniting the blaze. The fire, which began on Friday, has nearly doubled in size to 4,136 hectares (10,220 acres).
Health officials have evacuated and closed Fort Nelson General Hospital until further notice. An evacuation order has also been issued for Fontas, an indigenous community. In Alberta, authorities have issued an alert for a wildfire near Fort McMurray, an oil hub that suffered extensive damage from wildfires in 2016.
Despite the challenging situation, improving weather conditions on Sunday, including a forecasted shower, have helped contain the spread of the wildfires. Residents have been advised to prepare for evacuation, but no orders have been given yet. Evacuation alerts are in place for several other areas, with authorities closely monitoring the situation.