Thousands Evacuated as Wildfire in British Columbia Spreads, Smoke Drifts into Alberta

Canadian authorities are issuing urgent warnings to residents in northeastern British Columbia to evacuate immediately as a fast-growing wildfire continues to threaten the area. Despite improving weather conditions, the blaze, which started on Friday, has nearly doubled in size, reaching about 17 square kilometers and burning just a few kilometers west of Fort Nelson’s city limits.

Thousands of residents have already been evacuated, with the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and Fort Nelson First Nation issuing a joint statement emphasizing the lack of emergency services and amenities for those who choose to stay behind. Mayor Rob Fraser confirmed that most residents have been evacuated, with police conducting door-to-door checks to ensure everyone’s safety.

The Parker Lake fire is one of three major wildfires near Fort Nelson, located in the far northeastern corner of British Columbia. Health authorities have evacuated and closed Fort Nelson General Hospital until further notice.

Residents like Bud Streeper have reported a decrease in fire activity due to diminishing winds, but smoke from the blaze has spread into neighboring Alberta, prompting an air quality advisory in Edmonton with hazard levels rated as “very high risk.”

Meteorologists are not expecting rain in the area and have advised people to stay indoors. The situation remains critical as authorities work to contain the wildfire and ensure the safety of all residents in the affected areas.