After a week of relatively calm conditions, the Shetland Creek wildfire in the B.C. Interior has once again sparked concern and prompted a new evacuation alert.
The wildfire, which has been burning since July 2, had shown signs of decreased activity in recent days. However, on Monday, officials issued a new evacuation alert for the area surrounding the fire.
According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, the alert was issued due to increased fire activity and changing weather conditions. The alert covers an area north of the fire, including the communities of Shetland Creek, Shetland Lake, and Shetland Valley.
Residents in the affected area are being advised to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice and to have an evacuation plan in place. They are also being urged to stay informed about the situation and to follow the instructions of local authorities.
The Shetland Creek wildfire is currently estimated to be 1,500 hectares in size and is classified as out of control. It is one of several wildfires burning in the B.C. Interior, which has been experiencing hot and dry conditions in recent weeks.
As of Monday, there were 299 active wildfires burning in the province, with 40 of them considered to be of note. The B.C. Wildfire Service has deployed over 3,000 personnel to fight these fires, including firefighters, support staff, and aircraft.
The province has also issued a state of emergency due to the ongoing wildfire situation, which allows for additional resources and support to be mobilized.
Officials are reminding residents to be vigilant and to take precautions to prevent human-caused wildfires, such as properly extinguishing campfires and avoiding activities that could spark a fire.
The B.C. Wildfire Service will continue to monitor the Shetland Creek wildfire and provide updates as the situation develops. In the meantime, residents in the affected area are urged to stay informed and prepared for any potential evacuation orders.
