What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of May 13, 2024 the Parker Lake Fire is burning in Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada. The fire is close to the Fort Nelson Indian Reserve (1) (2).

Residents in and around Fort Nelson have been ordered to evacuate. The community has a population of 3,366 residents.

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

The city most directly impacted by the wildfire is Fort Nelson in British Columbia, Canada.

Additionally, the smoke from the wildfire has affected air quality in cities across the western Canadian provinces and several states.

Poor air quality is impacting American communities in Michigan, Minnesota Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin and Canadian cities in Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba.

Cities with air quality alerts include:

• Appleton, Wisconsin
• Ashland, Wisconsin
• Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
• Edmonton, Alberta
• Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Rochester, Minnesota
• Watertown, South Dakota
• Wausau, Wisconsin

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

The Parker Lake Fire in Fort Nelson, British Columbia, is classified as "out of control." (3) Efforts to contain the fire are ongoing, with firefighters facing challenges due to extreme fire behavior and dry conditions. No specific containment percentage has been provided yet.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Evacuation orders have been issued for communities in British Columbia, including Fort Nelson, due to the aggressive and extreme behavior of the fire. Authorities have urged residents to leave the area immediately for their safety. Additionally, evacuation alerts have been issued in Alberta, particularly in the Fort McMurray area, as a precautionary measure against the spread of wildfires (4).

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

• Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
• Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
• Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
• Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
• Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.