Headlines News Wildfire Week
Wildfire near Fort St. John moves into Alberta

May 6, 2016, Fort St. John, B.C. - Firefighters from British Columbia are still trying to estimate the size of a large wildfire that has now crossed the provincial boundary and is burning eastward into Alberta.

Wildfire Service spokeswoman Noelle Kekula expects more specific information on the Siphon Creek blaze later today.

She confirms crews from B.C. are helping their Alberta counterparts by managing flames on both sides of the boundary, but says their Alberta counterparts are being kept closely informed of the operation.

More than 70 firefighters are trying to corral the fire, covering roughly 90 square kilometres, but it remains uncontained after being sparked April 18, about 60 kilometres northeast of Fort St. John.

Wildfire Service spokeswoman Marg Drysdale says the Beatton Airport Road fire 50 kilometres northwest of Fort St. John, is now estimated to cover 120 square kilometres of bush prompting two evacuation orders, including one posted Friday morning.

She says the fire was originally estimated at 85 per cent contained, but that is being reassessed, and notes flames have jumped the Alaska Highway where a travel advisory remains in effect but traffic is getting through.


News from © Canadian Press Enterprises Inc. 2016

May 6, 2016 
By The Canadian Press