Chetwynd wildfire: Evacuation order downgraded to alert [Video]

CHETWYND, B.C –

British Columbia’s first wildfire evacuation order of this year was rescinded within 24 hours, but local officials say “extreme drought” means the risk remains high.

The Peace River Regional District had issued an evacuation order for dozens of homes near Chetwynd, in northeastern B.C., on Wednesday, as a wildfire approached a subdivision, then downgraded the order to an alert by Thursday.

Julia Nelson, Chetwynd’s acting mayor, said strong winds fanned the flames of the early-season fire that sparked along Highway 97.

The growing blaze forced the evacuation of 67 homes, she said. Local RCMP and firefighters went door-to-door telling residents to leave immediately.

But Nelson said calmer winds and rain helped tamp down the blaze overnight.

“So, kind of acts of God just saved our community at this point,” she said.

“The fire chief was saying that this fire was burning so fast and so hot that it almost seemed …