Fire crews battle large wildfire southeast of Houston

UPDATE: August 13 – Residents have now been put on Evacuation Order and Alert due to this wildfire.

Coverage from August 12:

VANCOUVER – Sixteen firefighters spent the day battling a large wildfire southeast of Houston.

The blaze, believed to be about 426 hectares in size, is creating a lot of smoke in the area. It is highly visible to residents in Houston, which is about 15 kilometres away.

The fire is near China Nose Mountain and was likely sparked by lighting. It is in an area that is only accessible by air, making it difficult to attack.

Ground crews are supported by helicopters bucketing water on the fire and airtankers will also be used to slow the fire’s spread.

The fire is not threatening any properties or infrastructure at this time, but extremely dry conditions and hot weather may result in aggressive fire behaviour.

The Northwest Fire Centre has responded to 17 fires since Aug. 4, eight of which involved unattended campfires. The fire danger Rating is “high” to “extreme” in the southern sections of the Northwest Fire Centre and the hot and dry weather is expected to continue.

A campfire and open burning prohibition comes into effect at 4 p.m. on Aug. 12, in the Nadina Fire Zone, the Bulkley Fire Zone and the Skeena Fire Zone (with the exception of the former North Coast District).

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellular phone.