Cooler and wetter conditions forecast by this weekend for much of the province may bring some relief for those fighting wildfires and suffering from drought conditions gripping B.C.
There are nearly double the number of forest fires burning compared to the average, lighting about 230,000 hectares. Conditions are resulting in water restrictions and smoky sky advisories.
Additional firefighters were brought in from Ontario yesterday, along with air tankers.
The province is using 600 contracted firefighters and has requested assistance from as far away as Australia.
Victoria has also contracted to use the massive Martin Mars water bomber stationed in Port Alberni that has been dormant for several years.
That aircraft is restricted to areas near the largest water bodies, Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Steve Thomson told reporters in a conference call.
Provincial fire information officer Kevin Skrepnek said an average of 25 to 30 new fires are expected to start daily while hot and dry conditions persist.
But, the weekend is expected to bring cooler weather with some precipitation.
In Kamloops, showers and lightning are expected on Friday, along with clouds, with temperatures dropping to about 30 C on the weekend.
Showers are forecast for Monday.
The largest fire in the Kamloops Fire Centre, near Lytton, is close to 100 per cent contained.
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