B.C. crews move to 'mop up' stage on many wildfires
Rain and cooler temperatures offer reprieve but drought and fire risks persist in northern B.C.
British Columbia's wildfire service says rain and cooler temperatures have helped crews turn the corner on a number of larger blazes, especially in the south.
The latest bulletin from the service says several fires in that region are now classified as under control or "being held" within their existing perimeters.
The service says many fires are in the "mop-up" stage when crews move in to douse the edges of a blaze with water in order to fully contain it.
Cariboo fire ban lifted
It's also announced the lifting of the campfire ban throughout the Cariboo with the exception of the Tsilhqot'in (Xeni Gwet'in) declared title area.
Effective at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Pacific Daylight Time on Friday, August 23, 2024, the Category 1 campfire prohibition will be rescinded for the entirety of the Cariboo Fire Centre. This does not include Tsilhqot’in (Xeni Gwet’in) Declared Title Area. <a href="https://t.co/EyqeRzaKgd">pic.twitter.com/EyqeRzaKgd</a>
—@BCGovFireInfoHowever, the wildfire service says recent rainfall has not been enough to alleviate severe drought across many areas of the province, and it's still an active wildfire season.
It says dry conditions continue to contribute to the fire risk in northern B.C.
The B.C. Wildfire Service says about 340 wildfires are active across the province, with just under 100 classified as burning out of control.
Campfires continue to be prohibited with the exception of the Prince George Fire Centre, the Haida Gwaii Forest District and the northwestern corner of B.C.