The MODIS instrument on the Aqua satellite captured this image of the Little Bobtail Lake fire in British Columbia, Canada. It is unclear how the fire started and was first spotted on Saturday, May 9. Since then the fire has grown significantly and has burned over 13,000 hectares (32,123 acres) and is zero percent con The wildfire is located about 70 km southwest of Prince George. Eighty people have already been evacuated and close to 700 homes are in danger of being consumed should the fire spread.
British Columbia Wildfire Management reports that the fire is unpredictable and shows no signs of extinguishing any time soon. Drought conditions in the region and dry debris are helping to fuel the fire. Even though airtankers have been dropping fire retardant on the flames, the fire continues to grow and moves past the retardant lines with little effort. High temperature and low humidity are also fueling the fire.
This image was taken on May 14, 2015. NASA image courtesy Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team. Caption: NASA/Goddard, Lynn Jenner