Rain expected this weekend could help contain the extensive wildfires that have been burning near the city of Fort St. John for two weeks, the BC Fire Department hopes.
Department spokeswoman Karley Desrosiers says the Stoddart Creek blaze — the largest in the region — has grown just six square kilometers in the past 24 hours.
It measured 266 square kilometers on Saturday.
Firefighters will take advantage of winds that carry the blaze north to set up a prescribed burn near its southern end near Highway 97, Ms.me Roses.
If successful, this strategy would create one more protection for Fort St. John, before the wind blows south again and blows the blaze back towards the city.
Environment Canada predicts a 30 to 40 percent chance of showers over Fort St. John Saturday and Sunday.
On the other hand, there is also a risk of thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday, and the teams on the ground are on the lookout for lightning which could create new fires.
Smoke covers Alberta
PHOTO ALBERTA WILDFIRE, VIA REUTERS
A firefighter at work near Valleyview, Alberta
Of the approximately 100 wildfires still burning in Alberta, several of the largest gained momentum on Friday due to hot, dry weather. This includes 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 community of Fox Lake 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 series of outdoor activities in Edmonton, which traditionally mark the start of the May long weekend.
The Fred Broadstock Outdoor Pool and the Fort Edmonton Theme Park are among the places that had to delay their summer opening.
On Friday, provincial wildfire officials advised Albertans to postpone activities planned for the long weekend.