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The latest numbers for B.C. wildfires

A teleconference was held on Saturday afternoon by the Province of B.C.

According to the Province, there are currently 151 wildfires burning in B.C.

Since Friday, 14 new fires have started.

Of the 14 fires, 13 were caused by lightning and one was human caused, located in the Cariboo Region.

To date, there have been 730 fires that have collectively burned about 361,802 hectares in size.

So far, the province has spent an estimated $122 million on fighting the B.C. wildfires.

The province reminds the public that its main priorities are public safety and keeping highway routes open for evacuations.

Currently there are 3,801 firefighters and other personnel fighting fires. Of the 3,801, 993 are out of province.

About 198 aircraft are supporting ground crews.

A massive column taking off after a cold front hit Williams Lake. @bcwildfire #bcwildfire #rangers

A post shared by Will Eason (@willeasonphoto) on

In regards to weather, the province is expecting moderate winds and potential thunderstorms overnight.

Wind is expected to move across the south, with a risk of thunderstorms in the Kootenays on Sunday.

Below is a list of the current fires of note.

By clicking on the title in bold, more information will come up on that particular fire, except for White Lake and Wildwood.

Gustafsen Fire

It's estimated to be 5,700 hectares in size and 90% contained.

Hanceville Fire

It's estimated to be 132,351 hectares in size and 0% contained. Crews are working on building a guard around the fire.

Last night in fire camp #bcwildfire #firefighting

A post shared by Luke Bouma (@lukebouma) on

White Lake Fire

Located in the Cariboo Fire Centre, this fire is estimated to be 8,107 hectares in size and is 10% contained.

Crews are building dozer lines to protect Hydro lines.

This fire started on Friday, July 7th.

Wildwood Fire

Located near the Williams Lake Airport, this fire is estimated to be 13,215 hectares in size.

It was discovered on Friday, July 7th.

Princeton Fire

It's estimated to be 3,300 hectares in size and 100% contained. It is currently being held.

With the majority of Evacuation Orders lifted on Saturday morning, many people in Princeton are returning to their homes.

According to B.C. RCMP, the last three hours have gone well and there have been no reported issues as people are returning home.

Elephant Hill Fire

It's estimated to be 58,363 hectares in size and 30% contained.

Firefighting efforts continue.

As of July 21st, about 44,000 evacuees have registered with the Red Cross.

There are currently 52 Evacuation Orders in B.C. and 39 Evacuation Alerts.

So far, Hydro has restored power to 44,000 homes.

The Canadian Armed Forces is working with the RCMP in the Williams Lake area, helping out at checkpoints and with other operations.

Overall, the province said that among firefighting crews from different departments, there remains a strong working relationship and good camaraderie in the field.

Residents also continue to donate generously to families who have had to evacuate.

For more information on where to donate, go to BCwildfire.ca.

A warning to residents in the backcountry to always be prepared to leave quickly and have a planned route out of the backcountry.



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