The quick actions of BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) and first responders Saturday night (Aug. 10) reduced an evacuation order to an alert just a few hours after it was issued in the Valemount area.

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George and Village of Valemount in conjunction with the Province of BC issued a BC Emergency Alert message at 6:20 p.m. due to the Cedarside wildfire.

By 8:30 p.m., those who were evacuated were allowed to return home. An evacuation alert remains in place.

The Prince George Fire Centre assisted the Valemount Fire Department to the wildfire, which was located within the municipal boundaries of Valemount on the east side of Highway 5. Ground crews actioned the wildfire alongside Valemount Fire Department personnel with support from airtankers, skimmers and helicopters.

The fire was eight hectares in size Saturday night and has now grown to 9.5 hectares in size as of 1:30 p.m. Sunday, August 11. The wildfire remains listed as 'Out of Control' according to BCWS.