Investigators believe wildfires in BC’s Peace region deliberately set
Posted May 9, 2016 4:04 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
FORT ST JOHN – Investigators say arson is believed to be the cause of at least 10 wildfires in northeastern British Columbia.
The Environment Ministry says fire investigators and conservation officers have found evidence to suggest the wildfires in the Peace region were deliberately set.
The fires are believed to be connected and extra conservation officers have been brought in to help investigate, but they are asking for tips from the public.
The Peace region has been hit by an early and aggressive start to the fire season as flames have been fanned by hot and windy conditions.
Hundreds of people forced from their homes by fires burning north of Fort St John were allowed to return yesterday, but 17,000 residences remain on evacuation alert and must be prepared to leave again at any time.
Provincial fire information officer Ryan Turcot says 84 fires are currently burning across the province, including 52 in the northeast region.
