Thousands of people remain under evacuation order as an out-of-control wildfire continues to burn just 3.5 kilometres west of Fort Nelson, along Highway 97.
The order covers surrounding areas and the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, affecting around 3,500 residents.
However, a small group of locals say as long as they are safe and can help, they want to do what they can to support wildfire crews.
“It’s an old fashioned community up here. We’re a family,” resident Rena Moore said.
“And if our fire department and our emergency services crews, if they aren’t fed and taken care of, they’re fighting for our community. And so those of us that could stay legally like, as essential services, we stayed. And we’ll stay until it is unsafe for us to do so.”
She says she and others were up at 4:30 a.m. Sunday to feed wildfire crews.
In a Saturday night update, the BC Wildfire Service said the Parker Lake wildfire “experienced significantly reduced fire behaviour” compared to Friday. Reduced wind speeds, cooler temperatures and lingering smoke all helped dampen the fire’s ability to spread, however dry conditions mean the situation could change rapidly.
As of Sunday afternoon, the fire had grown to 4,136 hectares, up from 1,696 hectares the previous day. It was discovered on Friday and quickly spread overnight. Fort Nelson Mayor Rob Fraser told Global News the cause of the fire was a tree falling into a power line.
“Yesterday, there was a lot of ash coming down. That was the big thing I noticed,” Moore said.
However, behind her, dark smoke continues to linger and she says she has her inhaler handy in case.
She says the response has been good and “services have just been imploded on Fort Nelson.”
BCWS and the Northern Rockies Municipal Fire Department were on site through the night installing protective structures.
Sunday is the last day for residents to receive evacuation assistance. Buses will be leaving the area with evacuees from the Woodlands Inn throughout the day.
Residents still in the community are being told to head to the Fort St. John Reception Centre at the North Peace Arena.
Highway 97 (Alaska Highway) is currently closed north of Fort Nelson.