Cluster of fires force evacuation notice
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Updated: August 03, 2009 11:34 AM
A large fire burning south of the Morice River is being treated as high priority by the Northwest Fire Centre (NWFC). Lindsay Carnes, fire information office for the NWFC said that there is a cluster of fires burning in the area, but the highest priority among them is definitely the Morice River fire.
"That fire is approximately 500 hectares in size," said Carnes.
"Due to the fire there are evacuation orders for the area," she added.
According to Carnes recent lightening strikes have initiated the cluster of fires currently burning in the NWFC.
The Morice River fire is currently burning on the north side of Morice Mountain, and is located approximately 22 km south west of Houston.
According to the NWFC, the fire was discovered on July, 31 and has grown in size since then from 260 hectares to 500 hectares causing evacuation alerts to be issued to people residing in the area.
Susan James, owner of Noralee Resort said that an evacuation order had been placed by Eileen Benedict , director of area E, from the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako (RDBN), and five RCMP officers are in the area.
"We have been told that we are currently on evacuation alert, and an RCMP officer has said that when we receive the order, we have one hour to leave," James said.
"Once someone leaves the area they are then not able to come back until it is okay," she added.
According to James there are several fires that are currently threatening them with evacuation.
"There is a wildfire near Duck Lake, there are two fires burning near Morice River, altogether there is one fire east, two north east and one south of us," she said.
The smoke haze that is currently covering the Burns Lake area, is a direct result of these fires.
"Smoke from the Morice River fire is very visible to the surrounding communities including Burns Lake, Houston and Smithers," said Carnes.
According to the NWFC the fire is burning vigorously and fire crews are utilizing machinery and have also required air support for the Morice River area fire.
"As far as I am aware evacuations are in place for the areas of Duck Lake and down to Antilla Road, as well as the Morice River. One RCMP officer is on patrol, making sure no one enters the area," said James.
"I am sure that there have also been evacuation orders or alerts also given for Huckleberry Mine," James said.
A spokesperson from the RCMP was able to verify that there have been evacuation orders given in the area.
"RCMP have started evacuating in the southwest area near Morice River due to wildfires, I can not tell you how many people have been evacuated or any other details, but I can confirm the evacuations," she said.
"According to the NWFC as of Aug. 2, 2009 the Duck Lake fire is located approximately five km southwest of Owen Lake. It was discovered on July 30 and is estimated to cover an area of 150 hectares in size. This fire was also caused by lightening.
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