Listen Live

Out-of-control wildfires in the Peace Region deemed human-caused

It’s another tough start to the wildfire season up in BC’s northeast region.

The BC Wildfire Service currently has its hands full with a cluster of wildfires southwest of Dawson Creek along Highway 52.

The worst one is out of control and is 185 hectares in size.

Fire officials say the blaze is likely caused by humans.

Firefighters and helicopters are working together to suppress the wildfires and resources are being shared through incidents.

Southwest winds are pushing the fire toward Highway 52 North, and there is potential for impacts to the roadway. The road was closed briefly before re-opening Brassey Road and Bearhole Lake Road.

The three other fires in the cluster are being held.

Fish Creek. Photo supplied by BC Wildfire Service.

In addition, a 56-hectare fire in the Fish Creek Community Forest in the north portion of Fort St. John is also out of control.

The City of Fort St. John issued a bulletin yesterday (Thursday) that the ESS Reception Centre at the Pomeroy Sports Centre has closed.

It is not currently threatening any structures as it moves beyond the Community Forest into the Peace River Regional District

Twelve firefighters along with two helicopters and an air tanker group are responding to the fire.

Both the RCMP and local fire crews are investigating eight fires that were intentionally set between February 22nd and April 27th.

Three fires were reported at Kin Park, two at Surerus Ball Diamonds, while the other three were at different locations in the city.

Witnesses told police that several youths were seen this past weekend in the Kin Park area allegedly lighting fires near the Pump Track.

“While there have been no reported injuries, these types of incidents pose a significant risk to the public and a significant cost to the citizens of Fort St. John,” said Sgt Dwayne Croll, Operations NCO, Fort St John RCMP.

“The recent increase in arson-related fires in our community’s recreational areas is a serious concern. We encourage all residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to authorities. We also ask parents and guardians to speak with their children about the importance of fire safety. Keeping Fort St. John safe is a responsibility we all share,” said Matt Troiano, Deputy Fire Chief.

The Fort St. John RCMP are seeking witnesses to come forward with any information regarding these fires that have targeted recreational areas.

Something going on in the Nechako Valley area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Brendan Pawliw
Brendan Pawliw
Since moving to Prince George in 2015, Brendan has covered local sports including the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, Prince George Spruce Kings, UNBC Timberwolves, Cariboo Cougars AAA, and Northern Capitals U18 female hockey teams. Career highlights include play-by-play during the Spruce Kings' BCHL championship runs in 2018 and 2019, including the Doyle Cup win. He also covered the 2019 National Junior A Championship, the 2017 Telus Cup, the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship, and the 2022 BC Summer Games. Brendan is the news voice on 94.3 The Goat and Country 97 FM, reporting on crime, real estate, labour, and environmental issues. Outside of work, he officiates box lacrosse and fastball, sits on the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame board, and co-hosts the Hockey North podcast.

Continue Reading

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Measles cases reported in B.C. this year top 100

B.C.’s health officials have said 102 cases of measles have been reported across B.C. so far this year, with most of those in the Northern Health region.

Measles cases reported in B.C. this year top 100

B.C.’s health officials have said 102 cases of measles have been reported across B.C. so far this year, with most of those in the Northern Health region.

Website refresh surfaces more of your important local stories

Regular visitors to this website will have noticed some changes to the home page and other templates in recent days.

Property sales rise in Vanderhoof, dip in Fort St. James

Vanderhoof saw an increase in property sales to end the second quarter of 2025 while Fort St. James saw a decrease according to new data from the B.C. Northern Real Estate Board as of June 30th.

Report makes six recommendations on event safety after Lapu Lapu festival tragedy

A report commissioned by the B.C. government after a deadly attack at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver makes a number of recommendations to improve security at public events.
- Advertisement -