According to the BC Wildfire Service, there are 138 fires burning across the province, bringing the year-to-date total to 1,049.
Suppression efforts have now cost $337.3 million, and an estimated 944,000 hectares of land has been destroyed as a result.
.@KevinSkrepnek: Total cost now $337.3M in suppression efforts; more than 3,700 crews & personnel are deployed; 179 aircraft helping out
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) August 19, 2017
Chief fire Information Officer Kevin Skrepnek says 14 new ones started on Friday.
“Those new fires were spread out throughout the entire province, including the Prince George, Kamloops, Southeast, and Cariboo Fire Centres. So, again, really widespread activity, and many of those fires were lightning-caused.”
He adds however, winds have not been as strong as first predicted to start the weekend.
“It certainly was not enough rain to do much in terms of putting a dent in the current fire situation. It still remains quite dry out there and whatever showers we did see were only sporadic.”
.@KevinSkrepnek: Wind did not play big factor, wasn't as strong as predicted; brought little rain, cooler temps, & higher humidities
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) August 19, 2017
Skrepnek provided some good news on the Elephant Hill wildfire, explaining its is now 25% contained, but the size remains the same at 168,000 hectares.
The public is being urged once more to call *5555 to report any new fires in their area, whether it be lightning, or human-caused.
.@KevinSkrepnek: #ElephantHill wildfire still at 168,000 HA, but it's now 25% CONTAINED; size didn't change, progress being made
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) August 19, 2017