Wildfires Update: Conditions More Volatile; PM visits Fire Zone

Hot weather — with no rain.

It’s not a good combination for preventing new wildfires.

Kevin Skrepnek from the BC Wildfire Service says temperatures in some communities like Kamloops could hit 40 degrees by Wednesday.

“Over the next little while, hot and dry conditions with potentially record breaking highs in some parts of the province are going to be coming in by mid week. And course hot, dry conditions will make things more volatile from a wildfire prospective.”

There are 149 fires burning in BC today — with 7 new fires on Sunday

About 6,000 people remain evacuated due to the fires.

While fire crews have made progress on some of the big fires in BC, the same can’t be said of the one burning north of Cache Creek.

Skrepnek says the Elephant Hill fire continues to grow.

“Currently mapped at 78,548 hectares and 30% containment, we’re continuing to see violent fire behaviour out there. We have over 360 firefighters as well as support staff on it.”

Meantime, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau toured the wildfire areas and met with first responders in Williams Lake today.

“All I’ll say is, as the federal government has in the past, we will be here for BC. We will be here for people affected by this,” said Trudeau.

178 million dollars has been spent fighting fires in BC so far this season.

Photo of Justin Trudeau courtesy of CTV News Vancouver