Cool, wet weather helps fight fires in BC

Wildfire officials say the danger level in British Columbia is improving thanks to rain and cooler temperatures in many parts of the province.

Meanwhile, health officials say southeastern parts of the province should expect smoky skies over the weekend.

A situation update from the BC Wildfire Service says fire behavior has reduced to some of the major fires, and cool and rainy conditions are expected for the western half of the province on Sunday, extending into parts of the Interior.

“Despite a number of evacuation reductions and cancellations, wildfires continue to affect communities across the province,” the statement said.

An advisory Saturday from several health authorities says communities in the Southern Interior and Kootenays are affected or likely to be affected by wildfire smoke in the coming days.

“People with pre-existing health conditions, respiratory infections such as COVID-19, older adults, pregnant women and infants, children and sensitive individuals are more likely to experience health effects from smoke exposure,” the bulletin said.

There are about 385 fires burning in the province, including six that are considered “noteworthy” because they pose a threat to people or property or are highly visible.

The fire service says crews are continuing to work on the Antler Creek fire in the province’s Cariboo region and that fire behavior has “reduced in recent days due to successful suppression efforts and a decrease in weather.”

Crews are “making good progress” on the 55-square-kilometre Dogtooth Forest Service Road fire near Golden, BC, which destroyed up to six homes in the region earlier this week.

The service says crews along with local fire departments are working to extinguish the flames on the east side of the Columbia River, while helicopters continue to approach the edge of the fire.

The Golden City says in an update that weather in the region remains stable, but warns residents that conditions can change quickly.

It says 28 properties on the west side of the river remain under evacuation orders, while more than 1,000 properties in the region remain on alert.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 27, 2024.

The Canadian Press