The Wildfire Management Branch is responding to a fire in the Klua Lakes basin, 14 kilometres east of the Alaska Highway and the community of Prophet River, and 80 kilometres south of Fort Nelson.

The fire currently covers an estimated 700 hectares.

The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality has issued an evacuation Alert for the Prophet River community and surrounding areas. More information about the evacuation alert is available at:
http://www.northernrockies.ca/assets/Home/PDFs/Klua%20Evacuation%20Alert.pdf

The fire was reported the afternoon of Thursday, May 21, and the Wildfire Management Branch responded with airtankers and ground crews.

It’s suspected that this fire was caused by lightning. Phone reports received from the public allowed the Prince George Fire Centre to respond to this fire quickly and efficiently. The Wildfire Management Branch would like to thank the public for their assistance.

The current fire danger rating in the Prince George Fire Centre is generally “high”, with large areas rated “extreme” near Mackenzie and elsewhere across the northeast part of the province.

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

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://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:

Jordan Turner
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Prince George Fire Centre
250 608-1755