Fire near Houston slows but still not under control

HOUSTON — The 3,700-hectare China Nose fire southeast of Houston slowed last night but is still out of control and weather conditions could make it take off again.

Crews and equipment worked through the night to contain priority areas of the fire and were continuing today, Saturday, as conditions allow. Reinforcements are on the way to support the 135 firefighters already at the front.

The B.C. Wildfire Management Branch said helicopters will support crews and heavy equipment by bucketing water onto the fire today in an effort to strengthen fire guards.

Effective today at 8 a.m., the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako made changes to the evacuation orders and alerts. While the area under evacuation order has been reduced, an evacuation alert remains in place for some areas.

Highway 16 has been reopened to traffic in both directions from four kilometres east of Topley to 18 kilometres west of Burns Lake; however, it may close again on short notice due to fire activity.

“This fire continues to be a top priority,” said the Wildfire Management Branch.