Prince George, B.C. – The costs associated with this year’s busy wildfire season continue to mount.

The BC Wildfire Management Branch says the province has now spent $277 million battling blazes in this province.

Here’s the breakdown per fire centre:

Prince George: $71 million
Northwest: $21 million
Southeast: $19 million
Kamloops: $17 million
Coastal: $9 million
Cariboo: $7 million
Headquarters: $130 million

The provincial budget for fighting wildfires this year was $63 million, however the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations says when actual costs exceed the Direct Fire budget, the Wildfire Management Branch has statutory authorization to receive additional funds.

The ten year average (2003-2013) when it comes to the cost of fighting wildfires is $170.4 million, the busiest year being 2009 when $382 million was spent.

And it’s likely costs will continue to climb this year as BC Wildfire Management Branch spokesperson Dustin Eno says there may be another burst of fire activity this weekend.

“The forecast is calling for a hot, dry spell this weekend into next week with fire danger ratings ranging from high to extreme in some areas.”