After a successful planned ignition Saturday on the Shovel Lake wildfire 5 km of guard has been secured from Stern Lake east.
The ignition caused a large column of smoke while helicopters, air tankers and water skimmers took action against the fire from morning until dark, according to a report provided by an information officer from the Prince George Fire Centre for the BC Wildfire Service.
The Shovel Lake Wildfire is located 6.7 kms north of Endako and involves 85,744 hectares.
On the scene is 191 firefighters, 52 pieces of heavy equipment and eight helicopters.
Crews continue to work on a guard along the PNG pipeline east of Stern Lake and were supported by air tankers and water skimming aircraft on Saturday.
Equipment widened the guard north of the pipeline which will be a fuel-free area to help stop the fire from spreading towards the north shore of Fraser Lake.
Evacuation order and alerts remain in effect for this wildfire by the Bulkley Nechako Regional District. There is also an Area Order Restriction in place to protect the public. The restriction will remain in place until Sept. 15 unless it is rescinded earlier. The restriction applies to all Crown land including campgrounds. To access the map visit http://ow.ly/X8Mr30lbPR9.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
In the meantime Prince George is hosting more than 1,300 evacuees and advisories are in effect to combat the current air quality.
Smoky skies will continue across most of the province for the next few days and smoke levels will vary based on wind direction and the fires.
If there is no change in the weather, no air quality improvements are expected.
Always be mindful that smoke exposure may affect your health, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, seniors, infants, and children.
For those with breathing difficulties it is recommended to stay indoors. An air conditioner with filters may improve air quality in the home and for some relief consider a visit to a public place like the library, shopping centre or recreation centre that is air conditioned.
For more information on current air conditions visit www.bcairquality.ca.
