Thanks to some rain over the weekend, firefighting crews got some reprieve from battling wildfires across the province of British Columbia – but experts warn that warm and dry conditions may return.
Earlier this week, the southeast, the Kamloops region, the northwest and the Prince George area all saw rain, with cooler temperatures expected to last well into the midweek.
Environment Canada meteorologist David Wray noted that many areas of BC could see considerable rainfall by the end of the week, especially the coastal portions. He also told CBC News that there is a slight possibility that places like the Okanagan and the Kootenays might also see some precipitation.
“It’s giving us a little bit of a break — a temporary one — for us to be able to reset some of our personnel so that they’re well-rested and able to respond to potential increases in activity in the next week,” said fire information officer Erika Berg.
CBC News reported that as of August 02, 2021, there were about 240 active wildfires in BC. But Berg said that the number could change as a result of the rain extinguishing smaller fires, though lightning could also start new ones. Stronger winds and possible thunderstorms could affect the areas near the Big Stick Lake fire in the Cariboo and the Octopus Lake fire near Fauquier.
Berg also told CBC News that wildfire crews are ready for when hot and dry conditions return this coming weekend.
As of August 01, 2021, 5,509 square kilometres of land in BC has burned this season. As many as 4,186 properties have been evacuated, while another 21,131 properties are on evacuation alert
