Prince George, B.C. – There were 17 new  wildfire starts in B.C. yesterday, although the total number of wildfires is  now down to 159.

The cooler wet weather is being credited with  the success of  the fire suppression efforts, but,  campfire bans remain in place throughout the province with the exception of  Haida Gwaii and the area known as the Fog Zone on the west Coast of  Vancouver  Island.

While campfire bans remain in effect throughout the Prince George Fire Centre,  the  recreational fire ban within the  limits of the City of Prince George has been  lifted.

Of the 159 active fires in the province,  16 are classes as active fires of note.  Three states of local emergency remain in effect  due to wildfires, and  seven  evacuation Alerts  or orders  are in effect.

Despite the cooler temperatures, the BC Wildfire Management Branch again  urges  everyone to exercise caution in the back country.