Update: 

The  evacuation alert issued for Pitka Creek wildfire has been rescinded, announced the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako in a July 23 update.

The evacuation alert was issued on July 21 for all lands, properties, and dwellings to the south of Stuart Lake and west of the Stuart River, including those accessed by Sowchea Road or Highway 27. 

Original Story reads below....

The District of Fort St. James and Nak'azdli Whuten provided an update on the Pitka Creek wildfire on July 22. 

In a joint statement, the local government's said, the containment perimeter on the northern flank of the fire is 90 per cent complete and is expected to be completed in the next 24 hours. 

Night crews have been able to continue suppression efforts throughout the night. As a result, the fire stayed within the containment lines. Crews are continuing work today with heavy machines and aerial support. 

District firefighters have been mobilized in the area and they will be assisting other agencies as needed. 

"Increased local firefighter activity is not because of increased threat level but indicates the District's preparedness level...," the statement read.

The evacuation alert issued for Pitka Creek wildfire on July 20 was expanded to cover more area as the wildfire spreads.

The evacuation alert, revised on July 21, at 2 p.m, now covers all lands, properties, and dwellings south of Stuart Lake and west of the Stuart River, including areas accessible via Sowchea Road or Highway 27.

Following recommendations from BC Wildfire Service, the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN) and Nak鈥檃zdli Whut鈥檈n  First Nation updated an evacuation alert for Pita Creek wildfire originally issued on July 20, at 10 p.m.

The Pitka Creek fire is currently estimated as 147 hectares in size and considered out of control. It is believed to have been started by dry lightning.

BC Wildfire Service is responding to the Pitka Creek wildfire located approximately 8 kilometres west of Highway 27 and 16 kilometres southwest of Fort St. James.

Ground Personnel are responding and are supported by heavy equipment and aerial resources.

Smoke is visible from the highway and surrounding communities. Travel along Hwy 27 is not impacted at this time. 

Casual use of Forest Service roads within the evacuation zone is not recommended at this time.

An evacuation alert is issued to prepare the public to evacuate premises or property should it be found necessary. Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation, however, residents may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.

In the meanwhile RDBN has residents to be prepared for an evacuation order:

• Locate all family members or co-workers and plan to meet outside the evacuation area, should an evacuation be called while separated.
• Gather essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e., insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs, etc.), and have these items readily available for quick departure.
• Prepare to move any persons with mobility challenges and/or children.
• Move pets and livestock to a safe area. If you require assistance, please call the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako
• Arrange to transport your household members or co-workers in the event of an evacuation order. If you are asked to evacuate and need transportation assistance from the area, please call the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako.
• Arrange accommodation for your family if possible.

In the event of an evacuation order, a Reception Centre will be opened if required, and evacuation routes specified. Residents can monitor the local radio station and the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako website, www.rdbn.bc.ca for information on this evacuation alert and/or any changes to the situation.
For more information contact: Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako at 250-692-1553.