The China Nose fire experienced minimal growth last night, but the fire is still uncontrolled and weather conditions remain conducive to extreme fire behaviour.

Crews and equipment have worked hard through the night to contain priority areas of the fire and will continue to do so today, as conditions allow. The fire is approximately 20% contained. There are 135 firefighters on site and additional personnel are en route. Helicopters will be supporting crews and heavy equipment by bucketing water onto the fire today in an effort to strengthen fire guards.

Effective Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, at 8 a.m. [Pacific time], the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako has made changes to the evacuation orders and alerts. While the area under evacuation order has been reduced, an evacuation alert remains in place for these areas and all areas previously on alert. For full details, please visit: www.rdbn.bc.ca

Highway 16 has been reopened to traffic in both directions from four kilometres east of Topley to 18 kilometres west of Burns Lake. However, the highway may be closed again on short notice due to fire activity. For the latest information on road closures, please visit: www.driveBC.ca

A structural protection unit has been assigned to the fire and the protection of public safety and critical infrastructure remains the priority. This fire continues to be a top priority for the B.C. Wildfire Management Branch.

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Media Contacts:

Michael McCulley
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
250 949-1200