The two out-of-control wildfires raging in northeastern British Columbia, which have already forced some residents from their homes, are expected to worsen in the coming days.
The Peace River Regional District says in a statement that strong winds are expected to “contribute to the continued growth” of the Boundary Lake and Red Creek wildfires, located about 1,300 kilometers northeast of Vancouver, over the next few months. 24 to 48 hours.
District Board Chairman Leonard Hiebert said in a statement that the wildfires have been “aggressive” in their spread since they were discovered on Friday, and the safety risk is significant enough that all residents areas with evacuation orders must leave immediately.
The area of the regional district, which covers both Boundary Lake and Red Creek, declared a local state of emergency to enable it to respond more quickly to wildfires.
The Boundary Lake fire covers 1900 hectares, near Goodlow, British Columbia, while the Red Creek fire covers 1550 hectares approximately 20 kilometers northwest of Fort St John, in the same province.
A third out-of-control fire 700 kilometers to the south at Teare Creek also continues to burn. Some residents near the village of McBride had to be evacuated from the area.