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Boys with matches sparked wildfire in Valleyview

Two boys playing with matches were the cause of the wildfire that forced an evacuation of two dozen homes in the Valleyview neighbourhood, Prince George RCMP said Tuesday morning.
Valleyview fire

Two boys playing with matches were the cause of the wildfire that forced an evacuation of two dozen homes in the Valleyview neighbourhood, Prince George RCMP said Tuesday morning.

"Investigation found that two young boys, aged 12 and 9, were attempting to light a 'camp fire' when the fire quickly got out of control," RCMP said. "Charges are not likely."

Valleyview fire
Source: Photo from Hell Yeah Prince George Facebook page via Sharla-Rae Olsen

Firefighters were called to the scene late Monday afternoon to deal with a fire near the corner of Valleyview Drive and Mesa Drive. By 4:45 p.m., RCMP were called in to launch an evacuation.

Online photos showed a fire posing a significant threat to the neighbourhood's upscale homes as the flames climbed into the trees. By the time it had been doused, it had scorched and burned an area covering acres, fueled in part by high winds that swept through the city Monday.

Evacuated residents remained outside their homes for nearly four hours. By 8:30 p.m., they were allowed to return to their homes on foot as vehicles were not allowed due to the fire hoses and equipment in the area.

Despite the scale, damage was largely limited to a shed and and patio at a View Place home although the blaze scorched the siding of one one and crept within just metres of another.

A Prince George Fire Rescue crew remained in the area carrying out mop up on Tuesday morning.