Risks escalating as wildfire rages near Fort Nelson, B.C.
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Officials are saying the risks posed by a wildfire near Fort Nelson, B.C., are likely to escalate on Sunday as winds push the blaze toward the community.
The Parker Lake wildfire, which officials say was sparked by a downed tree on Friday evening, has resulted in an evacuation order being issued for the entire community of around 3,400 people, as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation in B.C.'s northeast.
According to the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS), the fire grew from 17 square kilometres in size on Saturday to around 25 square kilometres on Sunday morning, and remains around 3.5 kilometres west of the community.
While the BCWS says fire activity was reduced on Saturday, officials are warning that an incoming weather system on Sunday is likely to push the blaze in the community's direction.
The First Nation has issued an expanded evacuation order covering one home and "many cultural sites" on Sunday.
The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) urged anyone still in Fort Nelson to leave, and warned its emergency operations centre would be relocating south of town, further limiting its ability to communicate with residents.
"The potential risks posed by the wildfires in and around Fort Nelson have escalated to a greater level, and the incoming weather system is bringing strong winds from the west which has the real potential to significantly increase the size of the fires over the next 48 hours," the Saturday notice warns.
"At this time, all residents who are currently remaining within the community are strongly urged to reconsider and evacuate immediately. You are our friends, family and neighbours. Please stay safe."
The final buses out of the community, it said, would be leaving from the Woodlands Inn at noon local time on Sunday, at which point no further help would be available.
NRRM Mayor Rob Fraser had told CBC News on Saturday that the evacuation order had gone well, and most people had left, but the exact number of people staying behind was not provided.
In a joint statement on Saturday, NRRM and Fort Nelson First Nation said people staying behind despite the evacuation orders should be aware that "emergency medical services are not available, nor are groceries or other amenities."
"Utilities may become impacted to support fire response efforts," the statement said. "Communication networks are precarious, which could impact the ability to reach residents to advise of changing conditions."
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