Crews face tree danger from high winds as B.C. wildfires abate due to precipitation

Heavy rain over the weekend in parts of British Columbia has reduced wildfire activity in the southern region of the province, though firefighters are contending with hazards from strong winds.

According to the latest update from the BC Wildfire Service, the number of active fires in the province has decreased to around 311, down from about 340 on Friday.

While much of southern B.C. received rainfall, some areas experienced heavy precipitation accompanied by winds gusting up to 102 kilometers per hour. These winds "blew trees down along fire lines in the south" and prompted the relocation of a fire camp in Invermere, B.C., although no injuries were reported.

The number of out-of-control wildfires in the province has fallen to approximately 87. Currently, 28 percent of the active fires are being held, and 44 percent are classified as "under control."

The Corya Creek wildfire, situated about 170 kilometers northeast of Terrace, B.C., remains the only significant fire of concern, either due to its visibility or potential threat to public safety.

Since the start of the fire season on April 1, more than 10,000 square kilometers of land have burned in B.C. This follows a record wildfire season in 2023, during which over 28,000 square kilometers were scorched, leading to evacuations in areas like the Okanagan and the Shuswap.

Environment Canada is predicting some potential precipitation early this week, but most regions of B.C. are expected to experience a return to warmer, drier weather as Labour Day weekend approaches.