British Columbia's number of “notable wildfires” has dropped to just one, as rain and cooler temperatures have helped to put down several large wildfires, particularly in the southern part of the province, according to the Wildfire Management Agency.
The Shetland Creek Fire, which has prompted evacuation orders and warnings across the southern Interior since it was first detected on July 12, is currently about 280 square kilometres in size and is classified as “contained,” according to the British Columbia Wildfire Service.
This leaves only the Collier Creek Fire in the northwestern part of the state as a notable fire, meaning it is highly visible or poses a threat to people or property.
According to the latest bulletin from the Wildfire Management Agency, several large fires in the south are now classified as under control or “contained” within existing boundaries, and the number of active fires statewide has fallen to around 330.
According to the Fire Department, many of the fires are in the “extinguishing” stage, with firefighters on the scene dousing the fires with water in an effort to completely extinguish them.
Still, recent rainfall has not been enough to alleviate severe drought in many parts of the state, and wildfire season is still ongoing, he said.
Dry weather continues to contribute to fire risk in northern British Columbia.
Of the active fires in British Columbia, about 100 are classified as out of control.
More than 90 percent of fires are believed to be caused by lightning.
Campfires remain prohibited except in the Prince George Fire Centre, Haida Gwaii Forest Area and northwestern B.C.
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