As per reports, the wildfire near Fort Nelson in British Columbia, has rapidly doubled in size on Saturday (11 May), now covering nearly 17 square kilometres, prompting thousands of evacuations from the northeastern town.
• The fire, known as the Parker Lake fire, expanded from eight square kilometres overnight, posing a threat a few kilometres west of the city’s limits.
• The wildfire has disrupted 911 service and telecommunications in Yukon and Northern British Columbia, prompting officials to advise residents in Whitehorse to seek assistance directly from local RCMP, fire halls, or ambulances.
• Evacuation orders have been issued by the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and Fort Nelson First Nations, directing approximately 3000 residents to evacuate to Fort St. John, located some 380 kilometres southeast.
• Efforts to contain and extinguish the wildfire are ongoing, with emergency services coordinating evacuation procedures and resources to mitigate the impact of the fire.