The area restriction for the Bearhole Lake wildfire about 30 km from Tumbler Ridge has expanded following aggressive fire behaviour.
The order has been expanded for the vicinity of the Bearhole Lake wildfire and now extends across to the east side of Highway 52.
The BC Wildfire Service says the size of the area restriction reflects the continued need to protect the public in areas where there are ongoing fire suppression activities.
The fire, caused by a lightning strike, is classified as out of control and aggressive fire behaviour was observed on the Bearhole Lake wildfire yesterday.
Fire growth was primarily driven by wind and the fire advanced approximately 12 kilometers yesterday towards the northeast.
Fire growth is expected to continue and has the potential to impact Highway 52. Traffic control is in place and ready to close the highway upon short notice. The BC Wildfire Service says the public should check DriveBC before travelling.
The Peace River Regional District has also issued an Evacuation Order for the area surrounding the community of Kelly Lake.
A Structure Protection Specialist has been in Kelly Lake today and additional structure protection resources are en route
The south flank of this fire is burning within the Bearhole Lake Provincial Park, which limits the type of fire suppression operations that can occur in the area. Helicopters were bucketing yesterday on the south flank and will continue as needed today.
The fire is currently being actioned by one unit crew and 13 helicopters are being shared between the fires of the Battleship Complex which includes the Battleship Mountain Fire, Bearhole Lake Fire, Dinosaur Lake Fire, Hasler Flats fire, Moberly River fire, and Crassier Creek fire.
Resources are being shared between the fires as needed.
The Bearhole Lake wildfire (G72178), approximately 30 km east of the community of #TumblerRidge, is continuing to exhibit aggressive fire behaviour. The @prrdistrict has issued an Evacuation Alert for the area surrounding the community of Kelly Lake. https://t.co/DmLmM7dU6S pic.twitter.com/EERrFK1AHO
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) September 4, 2022
