Officials said Sunday that scattered rainfall and smoke cover reduced air temperatures and helped combat Alberta wildfires over the weekend, while a new fire in British Columbia forced one rural hamlet to evacuate.
Authorities said the thick smoke, which lowered temperatures, hindered firefighting planes and may damage individuals who breathed it.
“I couldn’t choose. At a press conference, Alberta fire official Christie Tucker stated, "We will take advantage of any opportunity, and if it’s providing an opportunity for more on-the-ground firefighting, then that’s what we’re able to do."
Tucker credited just five new flames between Friday and Sunday morning to Albertans following fire and ATV regulations. 23 of the province's 84 fires remained uncontrolled Sunday. Over 10,000 individuals sheltered away from home.
“While we are optimistic that the forecast rain will make a difference to some wildfires in the province, we are not out of the woods yet,” Tucker added.
An out-of-control wildfire at Tzenzaicut Lake, 600 kilometers (375 miles) north of Vancouver, forced authorities to evacuate. Firefighters left one property.
According to Cariboo Fire Centre spokesperson Jessica Mack, personnel were utilizing heavy equipment and firefighting aircraft to battle the fire.
The Cariboo and Peace River areas still had big wildfires, but shifting wind patterns and milder weather helped firefighters contain them.
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