The BC Wildfire Service has provided its daily update on the current wildfire situation across the province.
According to Fire Information Officer Navi Saini, 32 new fires started on Thursday, with 22 fires still of note.
Saini says it’s good news the number of active fires is reducing, but it’s also important to keep people safe and the highways open for evacuation needs.
“We have 167 wildfires burning, and since April 1st, there’s been a total of 716 fires burning approximately 361,599 hectares of land.”
.@BCGovFireInfo: #Gustafsen fire guarded by firefighters, 65% contained; workers trying to protect hydro lines, same with #Wildwood fire
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) July 21, 2017
In terms of the weekend weather forecast, she says there’s potential for more fires sparking in the Cariboo and Southern regions.
“General dry, warm conditions and moderate winds are expected for Saturday. On Sunday, we are expecting significant wins for most of BC, but unfortunately winds are difficult to predict.”
.@BCGovFireInfo: Anticipating possible new fire starts due to lightning; #Kamloops, #Cariboo, #SouthEast fire centres could be most impacted
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) July 21, 2017
She explains a low pressure system is coming off the coast soon, but first responders would need extended long periods of rain to help calm the fires entirely.
Right now, more than 200 aircraft has been deployed by the province, and $117.9 million has been spent to aid fire suppression efforts.
#EMBC: 43,000 #BCWildfire evacuees, 40,000 have registered with @redcrosscanada; encouraging everyone to be constantly prepared
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) July 21, 2017
#EMBC: Special Number for @TELUS home service; for questions, please call 1 (844) 443-8622
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) July 21, 2017
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