Some residents in northeastern B.C. are on evacuation alert and hundreds are already out of their homes due to early season wildfires.
A state of emergency is also in effect in the Peace Region.
There are six serious wildfires burning in the area and a handful of buildings have been consumed by flames in the small town of Baldonnel, just southeast of Fort St. John.
“As soon as I heard, I already had the hunch I better get the animals out,” said Dori Bedier, resident of Baldonnel.
It has been very dry and hot in the area and strong winds are fanning the flames.
Alerts are active in Charlie Lake, South Taylor Hill, Baldonnel and Hudson’s Hope. An evacuation order remains in place for Charlie Lake, but two have been rescinded for Baldonnel and South Taylor Hill.
An evacuation alert is also in place south of Beatton Airport Road, with residents being told to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
There are 131 fires burning across B.C. in total, most of them in the Peace River district. Forty eight are considered ‘fires of note’, with the largest being the Beaton Airport Road fire.
To report a wildfire, abandoned campfire or burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
Information on current wildfire activity, conditions and prohibitions, can be obtained by calling 1-888-3-FOREST, or visit: www.bcwildfire.ca