Prince George, B.C.-There is still no word on when  those evacuated from Williams Lake may be able to  return home,   as  a significant wind event  is expected to  blow through the region  this afternoon. 

An upper trough  cold front is expected to move through the central and southern  B.C. bringing gusty winds and scattered showers.   Wind gusts   of up to 40kms per hour are possible.  There is also a  40 to 60% chance of lightning in  southeastern B.C.

The wind could  wreak havoc on the fire suppression efforts  underway in the Cariboo region.

It’s the wind that  is  the major factor in trying to determine when  displaced Williams Lake and cause further delays  for those who want to return to Williams Lake.   “It is hard to say right now how close we are to allowing  people into Williams Lake” says BC Wildfire Service Information Officer, Navi Saini “It really depends on fire activity.  Although we are making progress on those fires,  it is a pretty fluid situation right now, and with the forecast winds,  it’s something  that we are going to  continue to monitor and there will be discussions later.”

There were  9 new fires were sparked yesterday, bringing the total  number of fires  burning in the province to 152.

Here is the latest information on  the  major wildfires:

• Gustafsen: 5700 hectares   90 % contained
• Elephant Hill ( formerly called Ashcroft)  59,158 hectares   30% contained, increased activity expected with  high winds
• Hanceville  13,1958  hectares  45% contained
• White Lake:  8,107 hectares 10% contained
• Wildwood:  13,215 hectares   crews continue to bukld  machine guards, and mop up in the Sugar Cane area
• Soda Creek :  251 hectares
• West Fraser Rd : 120 hectares  100% contained
• Green Mountain : 553 hectares, 60% contained

Despite the rescinding of evacuation orders yesterday, Chris Duffy, executive Director  of Emergency Management B.C.  says this  is no time to let  down our guard “Maintain vigilance, there  are still  very dry conditions in various areas of the Province,  and a lot of fire season left.”