Fort Nelson Fire 2024: History Of Fort Nelson, Order Of Evacuation, Emergency Alert, Details Of Fire ,Casualties And Everything To Know
The town of Fort Nelson in northeast British Columbia faced a dire situation as an out-of-control wildfire threatened its safety.
The Wildfire Threat
- The B.C. Wildfire Service issued a dire warning: Fort Nelson faced an immediate threat to life, health, and property. The fire, measuring eight square kilometers, loomed ominously just 12 kilometers west of the town.
- Ground crews, nine bucketing helicopters, and also local firefighters rallied to battle the inferno.
- The fire’s rapid growth caught everyone off guard. Within hours, it ballooned from a mere half a square kilometer to its current size, fueled by dry winds and unfavorable conditions.
Evacuation Order:
-
- The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and Fort Nelson First Nations issued an evacuation order for multiple neighborhoods around 7:15 p.m. on May 10, 2024.
- Residents were advised to flee south toward Fort St. John, located 380 kilometers away.
- The fire also posed an “immediate threat to life, health, and property.”
Fire Details:
-
- The wildfire, suspected to be human-caused, was approximately 12 kilometers west of Fort Nelson.
- It grew rapidly, doubling in size within hours.
- The blaze measured eight square kilometers and was also highly visible from the town.
- Ground crews, nine bucketing helicopters, and also air tanker support were deployed to control the fire.
History of Fort Nelson
- Fort Nelson, with a population of approximately 3,000, has a storied past. Its roots trace back to the fur trade era, when the Hudson’s Bay Company established a trading post here in the early 1800s.
- Over time, Fort Nelson evolved into a vibrant community, also shaped by resource industries, indigenous heritage, and the resilience of its people. It stands as a testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Emergency Alert and Preparedness
- The wildfire’s proximity prompted a tactical evacuation of multiple neighborhoods.
- Emergency services worked tirelessly to coordinate the evacuation. The Fort Nelson zone braced for wind gusts exceeding 70 kilometers per hour, a volatile mix that could also shift the fire’s direction unpredictably.
- The community rallied together, offering support and compassion. Neighbors helped neighbors, and also strangers became allies in this fight against nature’s fury.
Weather Conditions:
- Dry Cold Front: Combined with wind gusts exceeding 70 kilometers per hour.
- Also Wind Direction: Could shift rapidly.
- No Lightning Expected: However, the wind direction posed challenges.
- Also Holdover Fires: Continued growth on holdover fires from the 2023 season.
Highway Closure:
- Highway 97: Anticipated closure due to the fire’s proximity to the town.
Population Affected:
Fort Nelson, with a combined population of about 3,000, faced a critical situation as residents evacuated to safety.
