Significant progress has been made on containing the massive China Nose wildfire, according to an update from the B.C. wildfire management branch.
As of Tuesday morning, the blaze, which covers about 3,700 hectares south of Highway 16 West between Burns Lake and Houston, was 40 per cent contained, up from 20 per cent as of the weekend.
On Monday, the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako rescinded an evacuation order but about 19 homes in the area remain on evacuation alert.
The Old Man Lake Provincial Park 20 km east of Houston remained closed and an area restriction order remained in place for the McKilligan, Swan Lake, Heading Creek, Poisen Creek, Gilmore Lake and Thompson Creek Forest Service Roads.
"This fire is still a large, uncontrolled wildfire, and current weather conditions combined with dry forest fuels are condusive to extreme fire behaviour," the branch said in the update. "The public is encouraged to stay vigilant at all times."
Meanwhile, a lightning-caused fire south of Powder King in Pine Le Moray Provincial Park continued to burn.
The Stack Creek fire, first discovered on Friday, covered about 1,500 hectares as of late Tuesday morning and was zero per cent contained.
"The fire was quiet active yesterday and grew primarily to the east and slightly to the north," the branch said. "The incident commander has been on site and flying the fire daily to assess."
Thirteen firefighters and two helicopters have been assigned to the blaze which remained about 10 km away from Powder King and Highway 97 North.
"Limited action will be taken on this fire while conditions are conducive," the branch said. "Crews will work on the northwest corner to attempt prevent spread closer to Powder King, the highway, and other values."
The backcountry at Pine Le Moray has been closed to recreational use although the Heart Lake campground remains open.
"Due to the unpredictable nature of this wildfire season the campground may have to be closed on short notice," B.C. Parks said.
