B.C. storm was ‘good news’ for some of the province’s wildfires

While the Lower Mainland was dealing with wild weather, other parts of the province got some much welcomed relief.

Fire crews say the rain has been good news for some fires burning in the Okanagan region.

“Many areas of southern B.C., particularly the Lower Mainland, saw some sustained rain over the last 48 to 72 hours,” said fire information officer Kevin Skrepnek. “It was very welcomed from a wildfire perspective and we’ve certainly see a significantly diminished threat across the province.”

“Having said that, the rain was fairly scattered and we are still seeing areas, particularly the central interior part of the province, the Cariboo region, still has a high-to-extreme fire danger rating but certainly fires in the southern end of B.C. we have seen some progress on.”

READ MORE: Full coverage on the fires burning across B.C.

The evacuation order that was in effect for Christina Lake and Grand Forks, due to the Stickpin fire, has been lifted. Residents living near Oliver were also able to return home after they had to leave due to the Testalinden fire.

Skrepnek said this rain does not mean the province is out of the fire danger just yet.

Skrepnek added that winds are also a problem in some parts of B.C.

There are currently 176 fires burning in B.C. with 13 considered to be fires of note.

“A lot of work still needs to be done,” said Skrepnek.