The Siphon Creek fire, the wildfire that burned nearly 62,700 hectares northeast of Fort St. John on its way to the Alberta border, has been downgraded by the B.C. Wildfire Service.
It it the first time that Northeast B.C. has been without a fire of note since the wildfire season roared to life April 18, Fire Information Officer Amanda Reynolds said.
The Siphon Creek fire was officially downgraded this week. It was the last fire "of note" in the region as of June 14. In May, the Siphon Creek fire and the Beatton Airport road fire prompted multiple evacuation orders north of Fort St. John.
"We've had wet, cooler temperatures and an increase in precipitation," said Reynolds, adding there are currently no fires of note in B.C. "(Siphon Creek), there's been really no change because they're just continuing mop up and patrol."
The Wildfire Service classifies certain fires—typically those that are threatening property—as being "of note." Wildfire Service staff provide information to the public and media . As of last week, there were three fires of note in the region.
Northeast B.C. was a tinder box in early spring due to a low snow pack and early drought conditions. However, the region has since received considerable precipitation, including snow on the May Long weekend.
With up to 100 mm of rain in the forecast, Dawson Creek and Fort St. John were telling residents to prepare for floods the afternoon of June 14.
B.C. has had 140 wildfires so far this year. The fire that forced the evacuation of Fort McMurray was contained earlier this week.
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