The aftermath of the Beatton Airport Rd fire – photo courtesy BC Wildfire Service

Fort St. John, B.C. – Fire crews continue to make progress in their battle against two major wildfires in the Peace but they’re not out of the woods yet.

Fire information officer Amanda Reynolds with the Prince George Fire Centre says lower temperatures helped crews gain ground on the blazes earlier this week but says the forecast isn’t as favourable.

“The weekend forecast is calling for another sunny and warm drying trend. The winds are forecasted to be light with gusts only up to 30 km/hr over the weekend and then we are into another drying trend.”

She says the Siphon Creek fire is still 41,470 hectares on the B.C. side and a further 17,160 hectares in Alberta. It remains 30% contained and 187 firefighting personnel, eight helicopters and 10 pieces of heavy equipment have been deployed.

Meanwhile Reynolds says the Beatton Airport Road fire is 15,000 hectares and 45% contained. She says there are over 100 firefighters being supported by 11 helicopters and 22 pieces of heavy equipment. Both Beatton Airport Road and the Siphon Creek area remain under evacuation alert.

Another fire of note – the Halfway River fire 30 km northeast of Hudson’s Hope – is 50% contained and 1,434 hectares in size.

And the fourth fire of note –  Carter Road fire just 10 km northwest of Hudson’s Hope – is 510 hectares and 95% contained.

Reynolds says the cause of the fires remain under investigation. The same goes for the 10 suspected arson related fires in the area.

“The Conservation Officer Service is following several leads that have been established through the investigation,” reads an email from the Ministry of Environment.