Canada: Emergency crews continue working to contain multiple wildfires across northeastern British Columbia as of May 13 /update 1

Emergency crews continue working to contain multiple wildfires burning across northeastern British Columbia as of May 13. The Parker Lake Wildfire is located near Highway 97, just northwest of Parker Lake, and has affected approximately 5,280 hectares (13,047 acres). Winds are forecast to push the fire toward Fort Nelson. The fire began when a tree was blown down by strong winds, falling onto a power line the evening of May 10. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for more than 4,700 residents in Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and Fort Nelson First Nations. Officials ordered residents to evacuate to Fort St. John and urged those with the means to travel further to go to Prince George. Emergency shelters are located at Exhibition Park in Prince George, Sudetan Hall in Dawson Creek, and North Peace Area in Fort St John. Authorities evacuated patients in Fort Nelson General Hospital to facilities in Fort St. John and Dawson Creek, and the hospital is closed until further notice. Authorities may issue additional evacuation orders and alerts in the coming hours and days, depending on the progression of wildfires.

Another fire has prompted authorities to issue evacuation orders for the entire Doig River First Nation reserve, which has affected more than 300 people. A reception center is located at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John. Authorities have issued a state of local emergency. The reserve is situated around 40 km (25 miles) northeast of Fort St. John, which is hosting thousands of wildfire evacuees from Fort Nelson due to the Parker Lake Wildfire.

Environment Canada has issued special air quality statements for parts of northeastern British Columbia, northern Alberta, and around Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories due to the impact of smoke from the wildfires. The Alaska Highway (BC Highway 97) south of Toad River and BC Highway 77 are closed. Canadian National Railway has suspended services between Fort St. John and Fort Nelson in British Columbia and north of High Level, Alberta. The wildfire has also knocked out 911 service and disrupted telecommunications in Yukon and northern British Columbia. Wildfires damage power lines and other electricity infrastructure; intermittent power outages are possible in affected areas until restoration work is complete.

Depending on the progression of the wildfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities will likely close additional routes within the wildfire complexes and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operators. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.