Weather helps slow some wildfire activity but risks remain across B.C.: BCWS

The BC Wildfire Service says rain and cooler temperatures around parts of the province have helped reduce some fire behaviour, but potential thunderstorms and wind continue to post a threat.

In an update Thursday, the service explained that fire behaviour on existing incidents “may temporarily increase,” should these weather situations arise.

“Skimmers and helicopters will continue to support response efforts and will be using local water sources. In the interest of crew and public safety, the public is urged to avoid areas where airtankers or helicopters are operating. All boaters are required to dock immediately when skimming or bucketing operations are occurring,” a provincial situation report reads.

As of 3:30 p.m. Thursday, there were 424 active wildfires in B.C. Of them, 262 were declared within the last week.

More than half of the fires are still listed as out of control.

Fires in parts of the province have forced people to leave their homes, with more than two dozen evacuation orders in place. Meanwhile, there are nearly 30 evacuation alerts in place across B.C.

Additionally, a number of homes and businesses have been lost to flames in recent weeks.

The Shetland Creek, Antler Creek, Aylwin Creek, Komonko Creek, and Dogtooth FSR fires are all considered wildfires of note, meaning they are “highly visible or poses a potential threat to public safety.”

Shetland Creek wildfire

As of Thursday, the Shetland Creek fire, which is located between Spences Bridge and Ashcroft, was 22,476 hectares.

The BC Wildfire Service says rain is in the forecast, as are reduced winds, providing crews with some relief.

“This is the first time in over a week that we will see any northerly element to our winds. Rates of spread for the Shetland Creek wildfire have declined, although the potential for intermittent crowning still exists in some of our mid slope Douglas Fir pockets,” the service said. “Overall, conditions will result in improving fire suppression conditions.”

The fire is believed to have been sparked by lightning. It has destroyed several structures. The Shetland Creek wildfire and the Teit Creek wildfire merged into one fire on July 17.

Antler Creek wildfire

Located east of Quesnel, the Antler Creek wildfire has forced several evacuation orders in the central Interior, including the areas of Barkerville, Wells, and Bowron Lake park.

It is 14,283 hectares.

The fire exploded in size earlier this week, growing to almost five times the size it was from Monday night to Tuesday night.

Aylwin Creek wildfire

Though smaller in size than some of the other fires of note, the Aylwin Creek wildfire has forced evacuations in the Kootenays, including the entire Village of Silverton.

Burning around Slocan Lake, the fire was discovered on July 18 and is believed to have been caused by a lightning strike.

“Yesterday, gusty winds escalated fire behaviour to rank three and crews withdrew to safety zones so structure protection personnel could conduct operations to defend structures,” the BC Wildfire Service said Thursday.

As of July 25, it was an estimated 400 hectares.

Komonko Creek fire

The Komonko Creek wildfire is also burning in the Slocan Lake area.

The BC Wildfire Service says “conditions have been difficult and resulted in increased fire behaviour,” adding behaviour is expected to grow with increasing temperatures and wind.

Both the Komonko Creek and Aylwin Creek fires closed a part of Highway 6.

Dogtooth FSR fire

The Dogtooth FSR wildfire is located about 24 kilometres southeast of Golden. The fire prompted an area restriction Wednesday in the “interest of public and responder safety,” according to the BC Wildfire Service.

The smallest of the wildfires of note, the Dogtooth FSR blaze was listed at 133 hectares as of Thursday afternoon.

The fire resulted in an evacuation alert and order being issued.