PRINCE GEORGE - The BC Wildfire Service is responding to a wildfire burning about two kilometres northwest of Norman Lake and about 30 kilometres west of Prince George. As of 4:00 p.m. on Aug. 19, the fire covered 10 hectares.
The wildfire was reported on Aug. 19 afternoon and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Smoke from this fire may be visible from Highway 16 and surrounding communities. An evacuation alert has been declared by the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George for residents in the Norman Lake area.
More information about the evacuation alert is available on the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George website.
There are currently 27 firefighters, one helicopter, airtankers and support personnel working on site. Ground crews are being assisted by airtanker drops of fire retardant and water bucketing by helicopter. The fire is currently 100% surrounded by fire retardant.
Warm, dry and windy conditions are challenging fire suppression efforts. Safety is the BC Wildfire Service's top priority, so personnel and air resources are only being used where it is safe for them to work.
Airtankers and helicopters that are picking up water from Norman Lake need plenty of room to manoeuvre. In the interest of air crew and public safety, recreational boaters are urged to stay away from areas where airtankers or helicopters are operating.