Mother Nature aiding in wildfire suppression across PG Fire Centre

All is quiet when it comes to wildfire activity in the Prince George Fire Centre.

There are 46 blazes currently in our region, none of which are of note while the majority are either being held or under control.

Fire Information Officer, Pedro Roldan-Delgado told Vista Radio the timely rain and cool temperatures has been a major help but areas like the Peace Region are still somewhat dry.

“We are getting some good forecasted rain coming in the next couple days as well as in the past month they have received on and off rain. However, there are still ongoing drought conditions – the more rain the better as there is still that drought.”

91% of current wildfires in our area have been lightning-caused.

So far this year, 708,838 hectares has burned within the Prince George Fire Centre.

The Pocket Knife Creek blaze, 150 kilometres north of Fort St. John is under control at 151,310 hectares. No more daily updates are being provided for this fire.

The Kiskatinaw River wildfire, 60 kilometres of south of Dawson Creek is still being held at 26,277 hectares.

Unburned fuels within the fire perimeter will continue to burn, producing visible smoke.

Crews are focused on mop up and patrol, a critical phase of wildfire response that ensures the fire is contained. Mop up and patrol involves carefully inspecting the burned area to locate and extinguish any remaining hotspots.

There are still many hazards in and around the fire area.

The Area Restriction Order remains in place to support public and responder safety.

The Summit Lake wildfire near Fort Nelson is 80,842 hectares and is being held.

Due to the sustained work of crews in identifying and mopping up hot spots by scanning, combined with recent precipitation, personnel are now monitoring this wildfire.

This fire remains active and smoke may continue to be visible from within the perimeter as pockets of un-burnt fuel smoulder.

Lastly, the Alces River blaze is under control according to the BC Wildfire Service.

It is 4,460 hectares and suppression actions are being taken to limit the spread.

BC has 71 active wildfires burning.

60% of all blazes province-wide have been declared human-caused since April 1st.