BC Wildfire Service says it is monitoring several 'holdover' fires in northern BC

The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says it is monitoring several “holdover” fires in the northeastern corner of the province, several of which are smoldering and still producing visible smoke.

Essentially, a holdover fire is a fire that remains dormant and/or undetected for a “considerable” amount of time after it starts, says the BCWS.

This is common with lightning-caused fires, fires of considerable size, fires burning in areas experiencing ongoing drought conditions and when areas have a dry “Duff Moisture Codes”, which are indicators of the dryness of fuels seven centimetres or deeper.

“It is possible for large fires to move deep underground and “slumber” undetected for a period of time,” says the BCWS.

“Heat can simmer underground for days, weeks, or even months. As the weather dries out and temperatures rise, these fires can flare up.”

Several massive wildfires continue to burn in the Prince George Fire Centre, including the Donnie Creek wildfire, which became the largest wildfire in BC’s history by mid-June 2023.

Those fires were exacerbated by the severe drought conditions in northeastern BC, which sat at the highest drought rating (level five) for most of the year.

As of November 20, 2023, the region was still under level five drought conditions.

The BCWS is aware of the ongoing wildfire activity and says crews will continue to monitor and respond as spring approaches.

Additionally, the service had protocols in place to patrol large wildfires when weather conditions could allow for holdover fires to show themselves.

That includes ground and air patrols, which can identify smoke plumes and thermal imaging to locate heat signatures underground.

“Personnel are currently monitoring existing fires as conditions allow and are establishing response priorities. As additional resources return, appropriate actions will be taken when and where possible,” the BCWS says.

For anyone living close to a holdover fire, or have additional concerns, contact the BCWS by calling 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 from a cell phone.

Holdover fires can also be reported directly through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.