Crews continue to fight the wildfire just northeast of Kitimat today. Eleven firefighters are currently on the ground, supported by the Kitimat Fire Department and the Haisla Nation Volunteer Fire Department.

The fire is now listed as 'held', and the entire perimeter of the fire is fully encircled with hose, ensuring water access to all edges. 

鈥淭hey鈥檙e working on a five-to-ten foot wetline, meaning they鈥檙e putting water on the blackened edge of the fire and moving inward,鈥� Casda Thomas, spokesperson for the BC Wildfire Service鈥檚 Northwest Fire Centre, said.

Located on Fire Mountain Road near the rifle range, the blaze is less than three kilometres northeast of Cable Car and is suspected to be human-caused. It has held at 2.2 hectares now for its second consecutive day.

鈥淭he fact that they have the hose around the perimeter of the fire is very good progress,鈥� Thomas said. 

In the early stages of the response, an Initial Attack Crew was immediately dispatched, alongside a birddog aircraft and an air tanker. The air tanker delivered two loads of fire retardant before nightfall on the first day, which helped to slow the fire鈥檚 spread. These aerial efforts were critical in supporting the ground crews who were assessing danger trees and performing tree-felling to create a fire break. A heavy-lift helicopter was also deployed to support ground operations by transporting equipment and water to difficult-to-reach areas of the fire.

Thomas says the helicopter is not on scene today but will be available as required. 

Crews from the Haisla Nation Fire Department, BC Wildfire Service, and the District of Kitimat Fire Department have been actively engaged in the firefighting efforts since the fire's discovery on Aug. 17. 

The District of Kitimat has urged residents to avoid the vicinity of the fire. Additionally, the District has issued a notice demanding drone users cease flying in the area of the fire, reminding the public that the use of drones near a wildfire is illegal. The restricted airspace includes a radius of five nautical miles around the fire and extends to an altitude of 3,000 feet above ground level. Violating these regulations could result in a fine of up to $25,000 or imprisonment for up to 18 months under federal law. Additionally, under the provincial Wildfire Act, operators could face fines of up to $100,000 and or imprisonment if convicted.

- With files from Thom Barker