Raging wildfire in northern B.C. spreads, challenges suppression efforts

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – Officials say crews battling a rapidly spreading wildfire in northern British Columbia were starting to make some progress when the blaze flared up again overnight.

The fire is engulfing an estimated 80 square kilometres of land near Norman Lake, about 50 kilometres southwest of Prince George.

The provincial government's Wildfire Management Branch says the blaze, first discovered Saturday, keeps spreading because of dry, warm and windy conditions.

The branch said Wednesday night that the fire had become less intense, but later reported that its activity had increased. It has called the fire is unpredictable and aggressive.

Crews have been working around the clock to battle the blaze using six helicopters, four air tankers and 10 pieces of heavy equipment.

Dozens of people have been forced out of their homes because of the fire, and B.C. Parks has closed its Dahl Lake and Bobtail Mountain provincial parks until further notice.