BC's lone wildfire of note continues to burn at more than 135K hectares

As June quickly approaches, British Columbia only has one wildfire of note that continues to burn out of control in the northeast corner of the province.

On May 28, the BCWS said the Donnie Creek wildfire recently merged with the smaller West Conroy Creek, Hockey Creek and Katah Creek fires.

The Donnie Creek wildfire is estimated at 135,991 ha.

The fire was discovered on Friday, May 12 about 158 km north of Fort St. John and 136 km southeast of Fort Nelson and is suspected to be caused by lightning.

Overall, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) crews are responding to the Donnie Creek Complex, which is made up of three wildfires: Klua Lakes (G90273), Muskwa River (G90292) and Donnie Creek (G80280).

#BCWildfire continues to respond to the Donnie Creek Complex approx 158km N of #FortStJohn and 136km SE of #FortNelson. Increased temps and winds driven by a cold front have increased fire activity along southern portions of the Donnie Creek wildfire (G80280). pic.twitter.com/oRxxv61e2F

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) May 28, 2023

Although cooler temperatures and a bit of precipitation is expected in the area on Sunday, “significant” fire activity is anticipated later in the day and into this week as dry weather continues.

“Higher temperatures, solar heating and a very dry air mass contributed to producing extremely vigorous surface fire and active crown fire behaviour, sending up thick columns of smoke in southern and eastern portions of the fire that were visible from Highway 97,” says the BCWS.

“Some of the increased activity occurred in areas proximal to oil and gas industry camps, infrastructure and operations.”

Evacuation orders and alerts issued by the Peace River Regional District and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality on Sunday, May 28 remain in effect.

The BCWS says there are five unit crews, five helicopters, an incident management team and 19 pieces of heavy equipment responding to this fire.

Crews are working to protect human life, property and remote industry infrastructure, however, they do so with caution to protect the safety and well-being of staff.