Two wildfires in the Prince George Fire Centre that were previously identified as the Beatton Airport Road fire and the Stoddart Road fire have combined to become a single fire. It is now referred to simply as the Beatton Airport Road fire (G80046).

Due to aggressive fire behaviour, the Beatton Airport Road fire now covers about 10,000 hectares. An incident management team is co-ordinating the BC Wildfire Service’s response to this incident and additional resources have been requested.

Currently, 106 firefighters, five helicopters and six pieces of heavy equipment are working on this wildfire, with the support of airtankers. Ground crews will be working through the night to contain the fire.

The Peace River Regional District has issued an evacuation order and expanded its evacuation alert areas. More information is available on the regional district’s website at www.prrd.bc.ca or through its 24-hour information line at 250 784-3200.

As a result of this fire, the Alaska Highway (Highway 97) has been closed 45 kilometres north of Fort St. John in both directions. The Beatton River Airport 151 Road (Mile 73 Road) and Aitken Creek Road have also been closed. For more information, visit www.drivebc.ca or call the Ministry of Transportation at 250 262-2600.

For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit www.bcwildfire.ca or call 1 888 3-FOREST.

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