After an early start to the 2023 wildfire season, cooler temperatures and rain have helped to reduce current fire activity in some parts of the province. As wetter weather has dampened the fire danger in some regions, fire centres are currently reassessing their current prohibitions. Learn more about what goes into campfire prohibitions.

There have been 442 fires since April 1, 2023, with 66 starting in the last seven days and 12 in the last 24 hours. To prepare for the season ahead and provide respite for BC Wildfire Service staff, one Incident Management Team will be imported from the United States this weekend. As conditions evolve, discussions will continue with our international partners on further support as needed.

Weather:

This week many regions of the province saw cooler temperatures and precipitation that brought a smattering of dry lightning in the northeastern corner of the province, particularly running along the Rocky Mountains.

Increased windiness is anticipated across the province today, driving lingering smoke east towards Alberta by the end of the week. West and southwesterly winds will gust through the Peace throughout the day. Cloud cover and showers will move into the North Island and Mid Coast this afternoon and temperatures will begin to climb, particularly in the Southern Interior.

Despite recent precipitation, the long-term drying trend that has driven extreme fire behaviour so far this season is forecasted to linger and overnight recoveries will continue to struggle. Widespread instability on Friday may see lightning impact the Eastern Cariboo and most of the Prince George Fire Centre.

Wildfires of Note:

• Donnie Creek (G80280)
• Peavine Creek (G70644)
• West Kiskatinaw River (G70645)
• Cameron Bluffs (V70600)

The Donnie Creek Complex (G80280) continues to pose a challenge, exhibiting extreme fire behaviour and growing to 506,692 hectares since its discover on May 12. An incident management team is coordinating 188 personnel, 11 helicopters, heavy equipment and structural protection units. Air ignitions are planned in the coming days to protect the Alaska Highway. The South Peace Complex (Peavine Creek and W Kiskatinaw River (G70645)) benefitted from precipitation earlier in the week, which has lessened fire behaviour.

The Cameron Bluffs Fire (V70600) is now classified as Being Held. It continues to burn in steep, unstable terrain above Highway 4, which remains closed. An Incident Management Team is coordinating response, working closely with the Ministry of Transportation to ensure public safety.

Fire Centre	Campfires	Category 2 Open Burning	Category 3 Open Burning	Forest Use  and Area Restrictions
Cariboo Fire Centre				N/A
Coastal Fire Centre				N/A
Kamloops Fire Centre				N/A
Northwest Fire Centre				N/A
Prince George Fire Centre
Southeast Fire Centre				N/A

The next Provincial Wildfire Status Update will be be provided on June 19, 2023.