WHITEHORSE, YT – After 16 days of intense firefighting efforts, the Parker Lake wildfire burning near Fort Nelson, BC is no longer considered ‘Out-of-Control’.
The BC Wildfire Service says thanks to recent precipitation and a good forecast the Parker Lake fire is ‘being held’, and is not expected to grow beyond it’s predetermined boundaries.
The Evacuation Orders in effect for Fort Nelson, the Fort Nelson First Nation, and surrounding areas have been rescinded as of 8am Monday, May 27th, however, with active wildfires still burning in the region an Evacuation Alert remains in place until the wildfire threats have been eliminated.
Fort Nelson has been deemed safe to reenter by specialists from the BC Wildfire Service and government officials from the Province, Fort Nelson First Nation, and The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality. Several properties in the area have been damaged by fire and these areas remain under restricted access. Only those with a permit issued by the Municipality’s Emergency Operations Centre can enter these areas. Property owners should contact the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality EOC directly to request a permit.
The Alaska Highway has also been reopened near Fort Nelson, BC, with Traffic Control in place between Kilometers 301 and 312, due to ongoing wildfire recovery efforts in the area. A pilot car is escorting vehicles along a single lane through that section of the Alaska Highway.
Smoke may still be visible throughout the season near the vicinity of the fire, and the BC Wildfire Service warns that if hot, dry, windy weather conditions return there may be increased fire behavior amongst unburnt fuels near the fire line.
Smoke outside the fire perimeter should be reported to the BC wildfire service through the BC Wildfire Service App, or toll free at 1 800 663-5555.
