'Unconscionable': B.C. mayor warns against sharing videos of properties destroyed by fire

The mayor of a northeast British Columbia community threatened by wildfires is warning people who stayed behind in the evacuation zone to stay on their properties and not share images of fire destruction on social media.

The mayor of a northeast British Columbia community threatened by wildfires is warning people who stayed behind in the evacuation zone to stay on their properties and not share images of fire destruction on social media.

Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Mayor Rob Fraser said it was "insensitive" and "unconscionable" that images of properties destroyed by the Parker Lake wildfire outside Fort Nelson had been shared before owners were told of the damage by authorities.

Fraser's comments come after videos were posted on social media showing what appear to be multiple homes destroyed outside Fort Nelson.

The Facebook videos posted this week show large structures reduced to grey ash and twisted metal, scorched vehicles, and tall trees blackened by the side of the road.

One video posted Wednesday appears to show firefighters working to protect another home, with smoke shrouding the road.

Fraser says people who stayed behind after Fort Nelson was ordered evacuated on May 10 need to register with authorities to make sure they are part of the co-ordinated firefighting effort.

He says the law requires those not registered to stay on their properties to avoid diverting police resources away from other necessary duties.