Swede Creek Wildfire Grows to 1,815 Hectares, Evacuation Alert Issued June 04

The Swede Creek wildfire in British Columbia’s Cariboo region has grown to 1,815 hectares since its discovery on June 1, 2026. The Cariboo Regional District issued an evacuation alert on June 2 for 22 properties and 180 square kilometres of land north of the fire front. The fire remains out of control and poses a potential threat to life and property in the region.

Fire Displays Extreme Behavior, Then Calms Slightly

On Monday, June 1, the wildfire displayed Rank 5 fire behavior during the hottest part of the day, meaning it was an extremely vigorous active crown fire with spotting in front of the head. The fire has since calmed to sustained Rank 3 behavior with an organized flame front and moderately vigorous burn. The fire is located 3.8 kilometres southwest of Comstock Lake, about 100 kilometres southwest of Prince George.

Drought and Dead Fuel Drive Rapid Growth

The wildfire is growing southwest, influenced by wind and consuming available dead and down slash in the area. BC Wildfire Service states the region is unseasonably dry due to a prolonged regional drought. Ground crews are on site with heavy equipment building guards and tying into established control lines along the southern flank. Water sources have been established and crews continue to improve hose lay operations.

Aircraft and Night Operations Support Ground Crews

Fixed wing and rotary aircraft continue to drop water on the wildfire to decrease fire behavior and support ground operations. A night vision equipped helicopter will work overnight, supporting ground crews and dropping water to decrease fire behavior. As temperatures drop overnight, fire behavior will decrease and allow ground crews to work closer to the leading edge of the fire.

Residents Must Prepare for Possible Evacuation

An evacuation alert is not a call to evacuate but a directive to be prepared in case an order is issued on short notice. Residents in the affected zone are urged to prepare grab-and-go emergency kits with medications and important documents, keep vehicle fuel tanks full, and make plans for family members, pets, and livestock. The alert covers 22 parcels and approximately 17,894 hectares north of the fire area.

Final Thoughts

The Swede Creek wildfire remains a significant threat to the Cariboo region as crews work around the clock to contain it. Residents in the evacuation alert zone should prepare for possible evacuation on short notice and monitor official updates closely.

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