Fort Nelson fire: ‘Extremely challenging’ conditions for crews [Video]

A wildfire burning dangerously close to Fort Nelson, B.C., has grown to more than 50 square kilometres, and officials are warning that the blaze’s behaviour is expected to become more volatile over the next 48 hours.

Emergency Preparedness Minister Bowinn Ma provided an update on the Parker Lake wildfire Monday morning saying the forecast calls for “extremely challenging conditions” for crews across the northeastern part of the province.

“We know that drought conditions have persisted,” she said. “This has made the hills in the area extremely dry with no precipitation, no major precipitation in the forecast ahead. And with winds that can pick up at any time – let’s just say we are extremely concerned.”

Cliff Chapman, with the B.C. Wildfire Service, said westerly winds with gusts up to 30 km/h are expected to begin Monday afternoon.

“Those winds are going to be here for the next 48 hours. And …