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Battleship Mountain fire, B.C.'s largest wildfire this year, is now 'held'

B.C.'s largest fire now 'held'

The largest wildfire burning in B.C. this wildfire season has now been classified as "held."

Two weeks ago, the Battleship Mountain wildfire burning in B.C.'s north forced the evacuation of hundreds of homes in and around Hudson's Hope. But Saturday, the BC Wildfire Service officially classified the massive fire as “held,” which means it's not likely to spread beyond its current boundaries.

Since it was first discovered Aug. 30, the fire has grown to about 31,775 hectares in size, just west of Hudson's Hope.

“With the current resources assigned, sufficient suppression action has taken place and the fire is not likely to spread beyond boundaries under current and forecasted conditions,” the BC Wildfire Service says in a recent tweet.

“Crews will continue to patrol control lines, mop-up and fall danger trees in hazardous areas. Smoke within the perimeter will continue to be visible for the coming weeks.”

There remains 96 firefighters working on the fire, along with two helicopters and 10 pieces of heavy equipment.

The BCWS says there remains hazards in the fire area, including danger trees and hazards associated with further suppression activity. Until Monday morning, the Johnson FSR remains closed at Highway 29.

About 800 residents were displaced by the fire back on Sept. 11, when rapid fire growth forced a state of emergency in the region. Residents were allowed to return home six days later once the fire activity calmed down.

The Battleship Mountain is by far the largest wildfire in B.C. this fire season with the next largest being the North of Blue River fire, which grew to more than 12,000 hectares back in July.



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