Wildfire activity to lessen as province sees cooler weather, says wildfire service

The number of active wildfires across the province continues to trend downward thanks to cooler weather, according to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).

Earlier this week, there were over 400 burning across B.C., and as of Friday afternoon, there were fewer than 374 active blazes.

The southeastern part of the province remains a hotspot.

Meanwhile, there is an out-of-control fire near Upper Lillooet Provincial Park. The Birkenhead Lake wildfire, which triggered an evacuation alert earlier this week, has reached 706 hectares

The Squamish Nation says the blaze is in an area of cultural significance for its people, and says it has made it clear to the BCWS that the area in the Upper Elaho Valley must be protected.

Further east, there continue to be three active evacuation orders in the Shetland Creek area near Lytton. It is considered a wildfire of note by the BCWS and is burning at over 28,000 hectares in size. The fire was first discovered July 12 .