There’s an end in sight to this hot dry weather, at least for now.
Environment Canada says the chance for showers begins Thursday night.
Meteorologist Alan Coldwells says the rain should be some help to fight the fires, but lightning in the forecast could make fighting the fires even harder.
“That, hopefully, won’t be too extensive,” he says. “The other problem with this front will be some gusty winds that can cause problems for fire fighting efforts, but we can hope for the best.”
Thursday’s heavy rains have made it possible to lift the evacuation order affecting more than 1100 residents of Hudson’s Hope.
Information Officer Jill Kelsh says the threat of the nearby Mount McAllister wildfire has eased.
“At this point, we’ve just received quite a bit of precipitation in that area,” Kelsh says. “Hudson Hope has had over 20mm of rain, as well as the fire has had quite a bit of precipitation, while activity is quite calm.”
But Kelsh says an evacuation alert is still in effect, meaning residents must still be ready to leave on short notice.
The fire is still burning out of control, but the size has dropped down to 160 square kilometres from 200.
Across BC, there are about 140 wildfires burning, but fewer than ten have forced residents from their homes.
Meanwhile, evacuation orders are still in place around Oil and gas field areas of Red Deer Creek, Ojay and Grizzly South. in the Peace River Regional District.
As well, the North east half of Tetachuck Lake, through Uchu Reach to Intata Reach on Natalkuz Lake to the south side of the Chelaslie River in the Regional District Bulkley-Nechako.
