May 17, 2024 – CBC News

British Columbians planning to travel over the Victoria Day long weekend are being urged to take precautions and stay informed about wildfire activity and road conditions.

In a press conference Friday, B.C. Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma urged travellers to stay away from wildfire-prone areas, encouraging them to “explore” other parts of the province this May long weekend.

“We want people to come here to British Columbia and we want British Columbians to explore the province … all we are asking is if you are planning a trip, know before you go … be aware of the hazards.”

Crews are battling several wildfires in northeastern B.C., including the Parker Lake blaze near Fort Nelson and the larger Patry Creek fire, a holdover blaze from last year that’s burning as close as 25 kilometres north of the city.

“Now is not the time to visit the area around Fort Nelson, but there are plenty of other areas to explore,” Ma said.

Read the full article at cbc.ca.