Crews are working to contain the China Nose wildfire, currently burning about 15 kilometres southeast of Houston.

The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako has issued an Evacuation Order and expanded the area under Evacuation Alert. More information on evacuations related to this fire can be found at: www.rdbn.bc.ca

The fire was started by lightning and is presently estimated to cover 1,640 hectares. Thirty-six firefighters have been working on the fire today, with additional personnel arriving at the fire tomorrow. Ground crews are concentrating on structural protection and are supported by seven helicopters bucketing water on the fire. Smokey conditions and poor visibility are affecting when airtankers can be used, but they are being used when possible.

This wildfire will continue to be highly visible from the community of Houston and surrounding areas. Extremely dry conditions, forecasted hot weather and gusty winds have resulted in aggressive fire behaviour that is proving highly challenging to crews on the ground.

The Fire Danger Rating in the Northwest Fire Centre is “high” to “extreme” with hot and dry weather expected to continue. At this time, the public is urged to take conditions seriously and prevent human-caused fires so that all available resources can be diverted to suppression of lightning-caused fires.

A campfire and open burning prohibition is in effect in the Nadina Fire Zone, the Bulkley Fire Zone and the Skeena Fire Zone (with the exception of the former North Coast District). A map of the affected areas is available online at: http://bit.ly/1oZfilE

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellular phone.

For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website: www.bcwildfire.ca

You can also follow the latest wildfire news:

• On Twitter at http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
• On Facebook at http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo.

Media Contacts:

Olivia Pojar
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Northwest Fire Centre
250 847-6639