Jeff Cunha Journalist / Anchor
FORT ST. JOHN — Peace River North MLA Dan Davies is revealing the startling details of what he’s hearing from firefighters on the ground in Fort Nelson.
“I was speaking to one of the firefighters the day before yesterday who’s been fighting fires for a number of years, never has he seen condition like they are today,” said Davies.
Davies has been working to assist evacuees forced to flee their homes in Fort Nelson and head to Fort St. John, where some 1400 evacuees are currently being accommodated.
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“Thank you to everyone that dropped off food, pet food, flowers, and everything else that help make the day a little bit better for the evacuates,” said Davies in a social media post.
Earlier this year, the River Forecast Centre warned of drought, low snowpack, and a lack of precipitation leading to a potential earlier start to the wildfire season.
“Fort Nelson kind of being the bullseye for British Columbia has certainly been probably the worst in terms of precipitation deficit,” said Environment Canada meteorologist Armel Castellan in an interview with CJDC-TV in March.
On a 20-month scale, precipitation levels in Fort Nelson are down 35 to 40 per cent of normal levels.
In an interview, Davies confirmed the impact the lack of rainfall is having amid the Parker Lake wildfire.
“It’s so dry out there even the soil is burning, so when they’re building their fire blocks, even the soil is catching fire so it’s not good,” said Davies.
Seven fire departments are still working in the area to fight the fire, according to Davies.
As of today, no homes have been lost to the wildfire.
