So far in 2023, 871,573 hectares have burned in B.C., compared to a 10-year average of 21,734 hectares. The Donnie Creek Complex (G80280) of fires, currently burning in the northeast corner of B.C., is responsible for 534,388 hectares, making it the largest fire, by area, in B.C.’s history. Donnie Creek continues to burn in highly volatile boreal spruce fuel types that have experienced prolonged drought conditions. It is not unusual to see large fires in this fuel type as it is a fire-adapted ecosystem.  

While these numbers are staggering, there are other important factors to consider when comparing seasons such as impacts to structures, lives, cultural values, ecological values, property and infrastructure, and industry.

Resources from the United States are arriving in B.C. to support efforts in the Prince George Fire Centre, which will provide respite for our staff for the long season forecasted ahead. This includes an Incident Management Team, hotshots and smoke jumpers.

Weather

Despite a cooling trend and the arrival of some localized precipitation over the weekend, the impacts of fall drought and a dry spring continue to impact fire behaviour. These elevated drought conditions will persist until significant and prolonged precipitation is observed.

Today, the southern half of the province can expect precipitation and cooler temperatures, while warmer temperatures are beginning to return in the north. Winds will ease overnight with localized gustiness along the Rockies, with some lightning risk in the Northwest.

Tomorrow should see warmer temperatures in the north with patches of sun and cloud. Cloudy showers continue to move across the Southern Interior and Southeast where temperatures will remain cool. Winds will remain light with occasional gustiness in the northeast corner of the Province. More precipitation is anticipated across the Southeast and Kamloops Fire Centres with lightning risk in the central north.

Wildfires of Note

• Donnie Creek (G80280)
• West Kiskatinaw River (G70645)

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

The next Provincial Wildfire Status Update will be provided on June 22, 2023.