BC Wildfire Service responds to Wildfire near Kitimat

Northwest residents are being advised to not travel into the Bish Creek area
as BC Wildfire personnel tackle a 15 hectare fire

What is the first recorded Wildfire in the Northwest for 2020 was first reported last evening by the Regional District of Kitimat, with notice of a fire spotted along the Bish Creek Forest Service  Road.

Today the  BC Wildfire Service expanded on the notice and their response providing some background to the fire and the actions taken over the last 24 hours.

The Bish Creek wildfire (R50250) was reported in the evening of Sunday, May 10. BC Wildfire Service crews, assisted by two helicopters actioned the fire last night. The fire is burning in two cut blocks and is estimated to be 15 hectares in size. 

As of noon today, May 11, 38 firefighters, two helicopters and two air tankers are on site, actioning the fire. The fire is suspected to be human-caused. High, gusty winds and warm temperatures, expected to continue through Wednesday, are challenging control efforts. 

Smoke from the fire is visible to surrounding communities. The public is asked to please avoid the area to ensure personnel and public safety.

From the update the BC Wildfire Service notes that Open burning prohibitions remain in effect and advise that residents of the region check with local authorities for an other restrictions that may be in place before lighting any fires.

More background on today's notice from the Wildfire Service can be found here.

You can track ongoing Wildfire activity from the BC Wildfire Dashboard page here.

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

For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, call 1-888-3-FOREST, visit the BC Wildfire Service home page here.  or download the new BC Wildfire Service app.

You can follow the latest updates from the BC Government Fire Info twitter feed and Facebook page.

For local updates from the Regional District of Kitimat, monitor their Facebook page and twitter feed.

Further notes on the work of emergency responders in the Northwest can be explored here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.