FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A significant wildfire has erupted in the Fish Creek Community Forest, prompting evacuations and a robust firefighting response from local and provincial services. The fire, which began on the afternoon of May 1, 2025, has already led to the evacuation of 19 households as firefighters work diligently to control the blaze.
According to a bulletin released by the City of Fort St. John, the fire is located on the northern outskirts of the city. Residents from Rose Prairie Road and the Jones subdivision area were directed to seek refuge at the Pomeroy Sport Centre, where emergency support is being provided. The city issued a warning about the fire at 4:15 p.m. on the same day, urging residents to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to operate effectively.
As of 7:32 p.m., the BC Wildfire Service reported that the fire had expanded to an estimated 0.56 square kilometers, roughly four times the size of Granville Island in Vancouver. The suspected cause of the fire is human activity, a concern that has been echoed by officials monitoring the situation. Kelly Greene, B.C.'s minister of emergency management, acknowledged the fire's impact on Fort St. John residents in a social media post, emphasizing the importance of vigilance during this critical time.
Firefighting efforts are being led by the Fort St. John Fire Department, supported by 12 personnel from the BC Wildfire Service, two helicopters, and airtankers. Crews from nearby communities, including Taylor and Charlie Lake, are also assisting in the battle against the flames. The North Peace Regional Airport has deployed one of its Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) trucks and a small crew to aid in the firefighting response.
As the situation develops, firefighters are expected to work until dark and resume their efforts the following morning. Jessica Harrison, an information officer with the city, stated that the fire is currently moving away from the community, allowing crews to continue their operations safely. However, various roads in the vicinity, including Rose Prairie Road, Jones Subdivision, O’Large Roads, and Cecil Lake Road (Highway 103), have been reported as blocked or partially blocked due to the fire.
The BC Wildfire Service is grappling with nearly two dozen active fires across the province, as warm, dry conditions and strong winds elevate the fire risk, particularly in southern B.C. This particular blaze is classified as one of two burning out of control, with another significant fire located approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Dawson Creek. Ground crews are actively working to contain that fire, which has been pushed toward Highway 52 North by southwesterly winds.
In Tumbler Ridge, about 120 kilometers south of Dawson Creek, a wildfire has disrupted communication lines, destroying the area's fiber optic connection. Residents have been informed that telephone, cellphone, radio, and internet services are currently down, and anyone requiring police assistance must visit the detachment in person.
As the wildfire situation continues to evolve, the Forests Ministry has issued a statement urging residents to postpone any open burning until the windy conditions subside. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar warned that the upcoming weather could lead to dangerous wildfire conditions across the province, noting that this time of year typically sees a spike in human-caused wildfires, most of which are preventable. Open burning prohibitions are expected to be implemented in the coming weeks to mitigate further risks.
This report is part of ongoing coverage of the wildfire situation in Fort St. John and surrounding areas. Authorities remain vigilant as they monitor the conditions and work to ensure the safety of residents and the protection of the community.
As of now, officials are committed to keeping the public informed and safe while they tackle this challenging fire situation. The community's resilience and cooperation will be crucial in the days ahead as firefighters continue their efforts.
