CTV News is reporting over 400 firefighters are now battling to contain the largest wildfire in British Columbia’s history after 19 wildfires merged into a massive blaze over the past six weeks, estimated to be over 4,600 square kilometers (1,776 square miles) in size.
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Since April 1, there have been 1,064 fires with 135 fires currently burning as of Monday, including seven new fires that began on Sunday. And things are not looking good for the latter part of this week, according to Chief Fire Information Officer Kevin Skrepnek, who says Wednesday and Thursday are shaping up to be “active weather days.”
“The wild card at this point is whether that is going to be bringing rain with it, we are certain at this point it is going to be bringing some wind and it is likely going to cool temperatures down a little bit but the rain that it brings will be the real critical factor here,” Skrepnek said, reports My Prince George Now.
Besides the over 400 firefighters occupied with the huge blaze, 25 helicopters and 75 pieces of equipment are being utilized. Interestingly, while overall, the number of fires in the province are down, compared to the seasonal average, the number of hectares burned has more than made up for the difference.
The BC government announced on Monday the additional closure of roads associated with the White River Complex wildfire, burning about 47 kilometers northeast of Canal Flats in the Southeast Fire Centre. The White River Complex wildfire includes the White River wildfire (about 1,214 hectares) and the Grave Creek wildfire (about 2,013 hectares). The two fires are burning about 15 kilometers apart.
Emergency Management B.C. reports that about 3,800 individuals remain displaced due to evacuations and an additional 10,000 more people have been warned they could face evacuation at a moment’s notice. To date this year, wildfires have cost the province over $352 million and 3,700 fire personnel are currently battling wildfires.