Raging B.C. fire doubles in size

Residents warned Parker Lake blaze will impact utilities

- CHUCK CHIANG

The aurora borealis shines in the sky as a wildfire burns near Fort Nelson, B.C., Saturday. Officials said the Parker Lake blaze, one of three major wildfires in the area, was started by a tree blown down by winds falling onto a power line.

FORT NELSON, B .C . The northeastern British Columbia municipality where thousands have evacuated due to a fast-growing wildfire nearby urged all remaining residents to leave immediately Saturday despite improving weather conditions.

In a joint statement, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and Fort Nelson First Nation said that people staying behind despite the evacuation orders should be aware that “emergency medical services are not available, nor are groceries or other amenities.”

“Utilities may become impacted to support fire response efforts,” the statement said. “Communication networks are precarious, which could impact the ability to reach residents to advise of changing conditions.”