(Fort Nelson) The forest fire that forced the evacuation of thousands of residents of northeastern British Columbia has doubled in size again, a few kilometers from the town of Fort Nelson.
The British Columbia Forest Fire Service said the fire grew to almost 17 square kilometers overnight. As of Friday evening, it covered eight square kilometers.
The fire also knocked out 9-1-1 and disrupted telecommunications in the northern part of the province and the Yukon. Territorial authorities are asking residents who need help in Whitehorse to go directly to the local RCMP office, fire stations or ambulance stations in different parts of the capital.
When the fire was first reported, Friday around 5:25 p.m., its size was only half a kilometer. But it continued to expand rapidly, reaching four square kilometers an hour later.
The fire prompted authorities in the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and Fort Nelson First Nations to order evacuations. About 3,000 people were forced to flee to Fort St. John, about 380 kilometers southeast of the area.
The town of Fort Nelson is located in the far northeast of the province, approximately 1,600 kilometers from Vancouver.
Authorities suspect the fire, which is “highly visible from Fort Nelson” was caused by human activity.
The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality initially estimated the fire was located about 12 kilometers west of Fort Nelson, but maps from the British Columbia Forest Fire Service indicate the fire was was approached about six kilometers from the city limits.
Evacuees heading south can get free gas at the Buckinghorse River Lodge, 176 kilometers south of the city, if they have proof of residency.
Environment Canada is not forecasting rain in Fort Nelson until Wednesday evening, but shower chances are high at $60 for that night and the next day.