B.C. wildfires calmed by cooler weather, rain

Officials say 57 new fires have been sparked throughout B.C. since Friday, but overall it was a calmer weekend for wildfires.

Forty-six new fires broke out on Friday and Saturday, with another 11 wildfires sparked on Sunday. Cooler weather and rain are credited for the respite.

Officials say between two and five millimetres fell in B.C.'s Cariboo region the hardest hit by wildfires this season which helped decrease fire behaviour.

However, fire information officer Gwen Eamer warned conditions are expected to heat up by the end of the week, when warmer weather returns.

More than 333 fires are currently blazing in B.C. 217 of which were sparked in the past week with evacuation orders or alerts in place for five of them.

The Jade Mountain wildfire, northwest of Lillooet, has scorched an estimated 17 square kilometres.

Officials say the fire is 50 per cent contained, with 120 firefighters and nine helicopters working on it.

Evacuation alerts remain in place for the Yalakom Valley, as well as one property on the Bridge River Reserve.

The Meldrum Creek fire, west of Williams Lake, is estimated at 83 square kilometres.

More than 350 firefighters, along with 11 helicopters and 50 pieces of heavy equipment, are fighting that fire.

The Dog Creek fire, west of 100 Mile House, is believed to be 72 square kilometres in size. Officials say it's 70 per cent contained.

The Marguerite Ferry fire, estimated at 24 square kilometres, is 70 per cent contained. More than 320 firefighters and 15 helicopters are working on the fire.

The Pelican Lake blaze, estimated at about 118 square kilometres, is listed as "active." About 70 firefighters, nine helicopters and 37 pieces of heavy equipment are battling the fire.

All five fires are believed to have been caused by lightning.

For specific information on evacuations and alerts as a result of the four fires burning in the Cariboo Meldrum Creek, Dog Creek, Marguerite Ferry and Pelican Blaze residents are being asked to contact the Cariboo Regional District at 250-392-4283.