Drought, wildfire concerns remain despite cooler, wet weather

While some parts of the province have received some rain and mild temperatures in recent days, officials are warning British Columbians that drought conditions persist and the fire situation is "active."

As of Wednesday, 356 wildfires were burning in B.C., according to Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Bowinn Ma. Nine new fires have started in the past 24 hours, and there are currently two wildfires of note fires that are highly visible or pose a threat to human safety.

Two previously more concerning fires Shetland Creek and Calcite Creek are being held, Ma said.

Eighteen properties have been ordered to evacuate across the province, while nearly 1,600 are on evacuation alert.

While a change in weather has helped firefighters "gain the upper hand" against several fires, Ma saidit doesn't mean B.C. is out of the woods just yet.

"We are still in the core wildfire season, and we must remain vigilant and alert."

Ma said the province has spent $483 million on fighting wildfires so far this year, compared to $556 millionby this time last year.

Drought levels

Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Nathan Cullen said drought is still a major concern throughout B.C., even after some rainfall.

Vancouver Island, the Upper Fraser West and Bulkley Lakes regions are all at drought Level 5 the highest level.

Several areas are at drought Level 4,and many others are atthree. In most areas, it's a slight improvement compared to August 2023.

"We're in a better place than we were last year, but last year was terrible," Cullen said.

Cullen is asking British Columbians to reduce wateruse so that the government isn't forced to bring in water restrictions.