By Canadian Press

fire season

B.C. crews move to ‘mop up’ stage on many wildfires, drought persists in the north

Aug 23, 2024 | 10:36 AM

British Columbia’s wildfire service says rain and cooler temperatures have helped crews turn the corner on a number of larger blazes, especially in the south.

The latest bulletin from the service says several fires in that region are now classified as under control or “being held” within their existing perimeters.

The service says many fires are in the “mop-up” stage, when crews move in to douse the edges of a blaze with water in order to fully contain it.

Still, it says recent rainfall has not been enough to alleviate severe drought across many areas of the province, and it’s still an active wildfire season.

It says dry conditions continue to contribute to the fire risk in northern B.C.

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The BC Wildfire Service says about 340 wildfires are active across the province, with just under 100 classified as burning out of control.

Only two fires are listed on Vancouver Island, both on the southern edge and both considered “under control” by the Service.

Campfires continue to be prohibited with the exception of the Prince George Fire Centre, the Haida Gwaii Forest District and the northwestern corner of B.C.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 23, 2024.

The Canadian Press