A wildfire is currently burning near Hixon, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
Photos shared from the scene show smoke and flames visible from Highway 97 in the community 62 kilometres south of Prince George.
As of Saturday morning, the 70-hectare fire north of Naver Creek was being described by the service as "out of control," or a wildfire that is spreading or anticipated to spread beyond its current perimeter.
It's suspected to have been caused by human activity, the fire service reports. There are no restrictions on travel as a result of the fire as of Saturday morning, BC Wildfire Service reports.
The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George issued an evacuation order and an evacuation alert Saturday.
Five properties were ordered evacuated:
- 38561 Sahlstrand Rd.
- 38683 Sahlstrand Rd.
- 38517 Cariboo Highway
- 38617 Cariboo Highway
- 38637 Cariboo Highway
Five more are subject to an evacuation alert:
- 7650 Peterson Rd.
- 7725 Peterson Rd.
- 38488 Bachelor Rd.
- 13310 Colebank Rd. E.
- 38312 Cariboo Highway
The fire was first reported Friday, May 2.
Looking ahead, temperatures are forecast to rise, increasing fire danger throughout the Central Interior.
Fire weather forecasters are predicting strong, gusty southerly winds of 40–60 km/h on Friday, May 2, ahead of an approaching cold front.
These conditions are expected to persist through Saturday, May 3.
Due to the elevated fire risk, the BC Wildfire Service is urging the public and industry to avoid open burning over the coming days. Spring wildfires in BC are most often caused by human activity, and officials are asking residents to do their part to reduce fire risk.
To report wildfires or violations of wildfire regulations, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 from a cell phone.
