Kiskatinaw River fire stable after weekend rainfall, evacuation orders still in place
Despite recent rain, years of drought have left northeastern B.C. vulnerable, wildfire service warns
The B.C. Wildfire Service says the Kiskatinaw River fire in the province's northeast has stabilized thanks to rain over the weekend.
B.C. Wildfire Service fire behaviour analyst Neal McLoughlin said in a video post on Sunday that a low-pressure system had moved into the region, bringing cloudy skies and soaking rain, with 10 millimetres of rainfall on Saturday and another 12 millimetres on Sunday.
McLoughlin said the change in weather has helped reduce fire activity for the Kiskatinaw River Wildfire, located nearly 60 kilometres southeast of Dawson Creek, B.C.
Fire Behaviour Analyst, Neal McLoughlin, and Operations Branch Director, Rob Lomavatu, provide an update on the Kiskatinaw River Wildfire (G70422), located approximately 58 kilometres south of Dawson Creek.<br>To view the operational update, visit: <a href="https://t.co/USuhqYwp14">https://t.co/USuhqYwp14</a>
—@BCGovFireInfoThe B.C. Wildfire Service says the fire is now measured at more than 266 square kilometres and is considered an out-of-control wildfire of note.
McLoughlin warns that northeastern B.C. has experienced years of drought, and while the rain improves firefighting conditions, the landscape is still receptive to fire.
Multiple evacuation orders and alerts issued by the Peace River Regional District due to the Kiskatinaw River wildfire remain in effect.
There are three significant wildfires in B.C.'s northeast, including the Kiskatinaw River fire, Summit Lake and the Pocket Knife Creek wildfire, which is more than 1,500 square kilometres big. Officials say it has grown significantly since merging with another fire on June 8.
The Dryden Creek wildfire near Squamish, B.C., was declared as being held on Saturday as officials reported the rain helped improve fire conditions.
The District of Squamish said it has held steady at 0.6 square kilometres in size since Friday.