Several Overwintering Wildfires Are Becoming More Active in Northern BC

The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said several overwintering fires in Northern BC have become more active and are producing smoke, Castanet reported (5-4-25).

Two of the fires that crews are focusing their efforts on include one north of Fort Nelson, and another along the Fort Nelson River.

Known as “overwintering fires,” these burn deep underground into the organic matter of the forest floor through the winter months, covered by snow, before resurfacing in the spring.

“Response officers are assessing whether the fire will stay within last year’s burn area or could spread further. Crews and resources are prepared to respond if the wildfire grows beyond those boundaries,” the BCWS said.

These overwintering fires come as crews are also responding to a number of other fires in the northern half of the province that have recently been sparked.