Forecasted winds expected to increase fire activity across the Prince George Fire Centre



PRINCE GEORGE – A weakening upper trough is forecast to move northeastward across the northern half of the fire centre this afternoon, bringing moderate and gusty south-westerly winds to the Prince George Fire Centre with the strongest winds expected east of the Rockies.

Southwest winds of 20-30 kilometers per hour with gusts of 40-60 kilometers per hour are expected in the eastern portion of our center, while the western portion is expected to receive 12-25 kilometers per hour with gusts of 30-40 kilometer per hour today.

The trough is also forecast to bring partly cloudy skies along with very isolated showers and the risk of an afternoon thundershower over the eastern Fort Nelson zone while the southern half of the fire centre will see mainly sunny skies with warm dry conditions continuing.

Saturday’s forecast calls for continued winds, but these are expected to be as strong as those on Friday. Some cloud is expected in the west during the day but a subsident south-westerly flow will keep the fire centre dry. Stronger south-westerly winds are expected to reappear on Sunday as a cold front directs a strong south-westerly flow over the fire centre.

With the increased winds, residents can expect to see increased smoke and activity coming from existing fires. Personnel and other resources remain on-site on wildfires throughout the Prince George Fire Centre and additional resources are available on stand-by should they be required.

The Prince George Fire Centre would like to remind the public to consider wind and weather conditions when recreating and having campfires in permissible areas. It is important to follow all area prohibitions and Category 1 campfire regulations.

Prohibitions apply to all public and private lands unless otherwise specified (e.g. in an enactment or local government bylaw). Please check with your local authorities before lighting any fire.

A campfire is defined as an open fire that burns piled material no larger than 0.5 metres high and 0.5 metres wide. The following precautions must be in place when lighting or making use of a campfire:

  • There is ready access to a shovel or at least eight litres of water the entirety of the time the campfire is lit
  • There is a fuel break around the campfire, free of any debris or combustible materials
  • The fire is fully extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the campfire for any length of time

Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from naturally caused fires. Always practice safe, responsible open fire use.

Current wildfire evacuation advisories are available online through EmergencyInfoBC. Individuals are also encouraged to know which regional district or local authority they are located in and to familiarize themselves with their communication channels.

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Residents and travellers are also advised to check for the most up-to-date bans and restrictions for their area.

The Prince George Fire Centre currently has three active area restrictions as well as a partial Category 1 (campfire) ban in effect for the Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Mackenzie and Fort Nelson zones. More information, and maps of effected areas, are available online.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, please call 1-800-663-5555 (toll-free), *5555 on a cell phone, or directly through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.

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Contact:
Prince George Fire Centre
Information Team
BC Wildfire Service
250-561-4629