Urgent Update: Six Fire Departments Battle Quesnel Blaze Today

URGENT UPDATE: Multiple fire departments are actively battling a significant wildfire in Quesnel, British Columbia, that ignited early this morning, August 23, 2023. The fire, which started around 4 a.m. in the yard of BC Eco Chips on Pinecrest Road, has prompted a coordinated response from six local fire departments and the BC Wildfire Service.

According to Quesnel Fire Chief Ron Richert, approximately 45 firefighters from Quesnel, Barlow Creek, 10 Mile Lake, Bouchie Lake, West Fraser, and Kersley are on the scene, working tirelessly to contain the blaze. “We have it contained to the original log pile,” Richert confirmed in a phone interview around 2:30 p.m.. The fire currently spans about 0.6 hectares and is being closely monitored to ensure it does not spread.

As of now, no evacuations have been ordered, but residents are urged to avoid Pinecrest Road and an unnamed road leading to the mill site. The City of Quesnel reassured the public via Facebook that local agencies are on-site at the fire in Two Mile, stating, “The fire is contained and being closely monitored. There are no required evacuations at this time.”

In a critical update, the BC Wildfire Service reported that the suspected cause of the fire is human activity. Madison Dahl, an information officer for the Cariboo Fire Centre, emphasized the collaborative effort. “The Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department is taking the lead, and the BC Wildfire Service is supporting the operation,” she explained. This includes personnel support and access to helicopters to aid in firefighting efforts.

Firefighters are currently focused on protecting infrastructure and cooling down spot fires in the vicinity. The situation remains dynamic, with teams working diligently to ensure safety and prevent further spread.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and follow local authorities for real-time information on fire safety and community alerts.