Snow covered ground as Siphon Creek firefighters received Saturday briefing. Photo courtesy BC Wildfire Service

Prince George, B.C. – Weather conditions have been a big help to crews working on two big wildfires in the Peace region in northeastern BC.

The Siphon Creek fire northeast of Fort St. John covers an estimated 85,300 hectares, 62,700ha on the B.C. side and 22,600ha on the Alberta side of the border.  The fire is 40% contained and previous evacuations have been rescinded.  The cause of that fire remains under investigation.

The area received upwards of 10 cm of snow on Friday and helicopters were unable to fly due to poor visibility and winter conditions.  Because of falling trees and impassable road conditions, crews did not go out on the line Friday however they were able to work in their designated sites on Saturday.  Unsettled weather conditions continue.

There are 160 firefighters, 4 helicopters and 6 pieces of heavy equipment working on the BC portion of the fire.

The Beatton Airport Road fire, 45 kilometres north of Fort St. John, covers 15,460 hectares and is 80% contained.  Friday’s snowfall brought firefighting efforts on that fire to s standstill as well but crews continue to mop up and secure the contained perimeter to 200ft, as well as patrol and eliminate hot spots.

Resources dedicated to that fire, which broke out April 18^th, include 146 firefighters, 3 helicopters and 8 pieces of heavy equipment.