Fires heat up in parts of B.C. as fire costs near triple what was forecast

VANCOUVER – A fast-moving forest fire near Houston, B.C., that forced residents in 19 homes to evacuate had almost doubled in size within 24 hours.

The China Nose fire, estimated at 29 square kilometres in size, is fanned by hot, dry weather and gusting winds and the fire behaviour has been rated as extreme.

The Mount McAllister Fire, that chased more than 1,000 residents from the community of Hudson’s Hope last month, is also flaring up again in northeast B.C.

Despite more than 200 firecrews, 13 helicopters and 20 pieces of heavy equipment working on the fire, fire information officer Jill Kelsh says the blaze is threatening to jump the containment lines.

The B.C. government is warning hunters to use more caution while out in the woods on their trips this year, especially in the Prince George Fire Centre, where the danger remains high to extreme.

Fire Information Officer Navi Saini says the province has spent $183 million so far this season, almost three times what the government budgeted for to fight summer fires.

(The Canadian Press, CFJC, MooseFM)