Firefighters in western Canada are battling a large wildfire just outside the remote town of Fort Nelson in British Columbia, as the blaze threatens the town of about 3,500 residents. The fire, which has spread to roughly 10,000 hectares (24,710 acres) across Western Canada, is sending plumes of smoke across five Canadian provinces and parts of northern Minnesota.
Mayor Rob Fraser of the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, where Fort Nelson is located, stated that the fire moved closer overnight and is now only about 1.5 km (0.9 mile) away from the town. Local crews are working tirelessly to contain the fire, using helicopters to drop water and caterpillar tractors to build firebreaks.
After experiencing its worst-ever wildfire season last year, Canada is facing another potentially catastrophic season due to warm winter temperatures and an ongoing drought. The federal government has warned of higher-than-normal spring and summer temperatures across the country, which could lead to more wildfires.
As of Sunday, there were 143 active blazes across Canada, with 39 deemed out of control. An evacuation alert was issued for Fort McMurray, Alberta, as an out-of-control fire raged southwest of the major Canadian oil town.
With the forecast predicting a westerly flow that could bring the fire closer to Fort Nelson, residents and firefighters are on high alert, ready to combat the blaze with all resources available. The situation remains critical as the wildfire season intensifies across Western Canada.