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British Columbia

B.C. crews move to 'mop up' stage on many wildfires

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. It says several fires in that region are now classified as under control or "being held" within their existing perimeters.

Rain and cooler temperatures offer reprieve but drought and fire risks persist in northern B.C.

Two wildland firefighters spray water on fire in a forest.
Wildland firefighters with the B.C. Wildfire Service perform mop-up operations on the Shetland Creek wildfire's eastern flank in the area of Thompson-Nicola, B.C., on Aug. 8. (HO-BC Wildfire Service/The Canadian Press)

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.

Cariboo fire ban lifted

It's also announced the lifting of the campfire ban throughoutthe Cariboo with the exception of theTsilhqot'in (Xeni Gwet'in) declared title area.

However, the wildfire service 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.

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

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.