Rain expected for this weekend could help contain the widespread wildfires that have been burning near the town of Fort St. John for the past two weeks, the BC Fire Department is hoping.
Posted at 5:51 p.m. Updated at 5:51 p.m.
Department spokeswoman Karley Desrosiers said the Stoddart Creek fire — the largest in the area — had grown just six square kilometers in the past 24 hours.
On Saturday it measured 266 square kilometers.
Firefighters will use the winds that are carrying the fire north to establish a prescribed fire seat near its southern end, near Highway 97, Desrosiers said.
If successful, this strategy would provide further protection for Fort St. John before the winds turned south again and the fire blew back toward the city.
Environment Canada is forecasting a 30 to 40 percent chance of rain over Fort St. John for Saturday and Sunday.
On the other hand, there is also a risk of thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday and the teams on site are on the lookout for lightning that could start new fires.
Smoke covers Alberta
PHOTO ALBERTA WILDFIRE, VIA Portal
A firefighter at work near Valleyview, Alberta
Of the roughly 100 wildfires still burning in Alberta, some of the largest gained momentum on Friday due to hot, dry weather. These include the fire near Chipewyan Lake in the Fort McMurray area and the Kimiwan Complex fire threatening the Métis community of Peavine in the Peace River Forest.
Meanwhile, work continues in the Fox Lake community to create safe conditions for the return of evacuated residents, beginning with temporary supervised visits.
Heavy smoke blanketing part of the province has also forced the cancellation of a number of Edmonton’s outdoor activities that traditionally mark the start of the May long weekend.
The Fred Broadstock Outdoor Pool and Fort Edmonton Theme Park are among the venues that have had to postpone their summer openings.
On Friday, provincial wildfire officials advised Albertans to postpone activities planned for the long weekend.