Rain Brings Small 'Reprieve' In B.C., But Wildfire Conditions Remain Throughout

The number of active wildfires in British Columbia has dipped below 450 as cooler weather and recent rain has cut the fire risk, although another hot spell could wipe out those gains as large sections of the province wilt under severe drought.

 “We’re grateful for the recent rain in B.C.'s north, as it’s allowed for a small piece of reprieve.", said Provincial fire information officer Mike McCulley.

"It really helps us to get a handle on the fires and make some good progress. We've adjusted our tactics accordingly to try to take advantage of this window."

The BC Wildfire Service website shows only small pockets of extreme wildfire risk, mainly in southeastern B.C., where almost no rain fell earlier this week.

The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness says more than 1,000 people are under evacuation orders across B.C., while more than 4,000 more have been warned to be ready to leave on very short notice.

Of the 1,484 fires recorded in B.C., since the start of this fire season, the wildfire service says just over 1,000 have been caused by lightning, human activity is linked to 367 others and the cause of 97 is undetermined.

Almost 15,000 square kilometres of trees, bush and grassland has been lost to wildfires since April 1, 2023, breaking the record set in 2018.