Thu Sep 12 18:16:00 UTC 2024: ## B.C. Wildfire Situation Improves, But Drought Concerns Remain

**VANCOUVER, B.C. -** Recent rain and cooler temperatures have brought some relief to British Columbia’s wildfire situation, but the province remains vulnerable to fire danger heading into fall, according to the Ministry of Forests.

During a wildfire update on Thursday, Forest Minister Bruce Ralston acknowledged the positive impact of recent weather. He said there are currently 214 active wildfires burning across the province, a significant decrease compared to the peak of the season. While the number of fire starts this year has surpassed 1,600, boosted response efforts, coupled with favorable weather, have led to smaller average fire sizes.

However, Neal McLoughlin, Superintendent of Predictive Services for the BC Wildfire Service, cautioned that the ongoing drought poses a significant threat. Three years of abnormally low precipitation, with August 2021 recording 60-85% of normal rainfall levels and September 2023 seeing only 40-60%, has created a tinderbox environment. The northeast portion of the province has been particularly affected by the drought.

McLoughlin anticipates another 115 to 200 wildfires before the end of the season, but he emphasized that most of these fires will be small and quickly extinguished through initial attack efforts.

Despite the recent improvements, the province remains vigilant and continues to urge residents to exercise caution and adhere to fire safety regulations.

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