Cooler Weather Brings Some Relief for Fire Crews Battling Blazes in Western Canada

Cooler Temperatures Provide Relief for Firefighters Fighting Wildfires in Western Canada

May 16, 2024 TruthUSA

Dry conditions and days of gusting winds have ignited over 100 wildfires across Western Canada, with some out of control blazes prompting thousands to evacuate their homes in the past week.

Cooler temperatures and weaker winds have provided some relief for firefighters battling fires in British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba. However, the threat persists for three communities as crews work to protect them.

British Columbia

Two fires near Fort Nelson, B.C., tell different stories as crews successfully held off the Parker Lake blaze but are now facing the growing Patry Creek fire, which originated in 2023 and has expanded significantly in recent days.

The Parker Lake fire led to an evacuation order on May 9 for Fort Nelson and Fort Nelson First Nation after a tree fell on a power line, sparking the fire just nine kilometres west of the community, now covering over 31,000 acres.

Favourable weather conditions in the past day-and-a-half have supported crews fighting the Parker Lake blaze, as stated by BC Wildfire Service fire behaviour specialist Ben Boghean in a May 15 Facebook post.

Although the fire remains two kilometres outside of town, Mayor Rob Fraser reported some structural damage in the area, with assessments ongoing.