Late today and overnight, a cold front coming in from the Pacific will result in increased winds of 20 km per hour in the vicinity of the China Nose fire, with gusts up to 40 km per hour.

These weather conditions are expected to last through the night and will produce extreme fire behaviour, making firefighting efforts challenging.

The China Nose fire was started by lightning and presently covers about 4,000 hectares. It is located about 15 km southeast of Houston. Firefighting crews have been working through the night on this fire and will continue to do so as conditions allow.

Due to unpredictable winds, dry and hot weather conditions, and aggressive fire behaviour, the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako has expanded its evacuation orders and evacuation alerts for areas near the fire. More information about evacuations related to this fire can be found at: www.rdbn.bc.ca

Additionally, Highway 16 is closed to traffic in both directions from a point four km east of Topley to 18 km west of Burns Lake, until further notice. For information on alternate routes, please visit: www.drivebc.ca

As of 6 p.m. on Aug. 14, 2014, an area restriction order is in place that applies to the McKilligan Forest Service Road, the Swan Lake Forest Service Road, the Heading Creek Forest Service Road, the Poisen Creek Forest Service Road, the Gilmore Lake Forest Service Road and the Thompson Creek Forest Service Road (7735-26, immediately north of Maxan Lake).

Seventy-one firefighters are working on the China Nose fire, with more crews arriving today. Fourteen pieces of heavy equipment being used to extend containment guards created yesterday and last night. Fourteen helicopters are supporting crews and equipment on the ground, and an airtanker group based in Smithers continues to evaluate opportunities to effectively take action against this fire.

The Fire Danger Rating in the Northwest Fire Centre ranges from “high” to “extreme”, with hot and dry weather expected to continue in the region. The public is urged to take these conditions seriously and prevent human-caused fires, so that all available firefighting resources can focus on the 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

Mike McCulley
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
China Nose fire
250 949-1200