FORT ST. JOHN -- The BC Wildfire Service is highlighting the success of Initial Attack Crews in tackling blazes burning within in the Prince George Fire Centre.
"The average initial attack success in keeping fires under four hectares is 76%, which is exactly on par with what we are in the Prince George Fire Centre in 2024," said Adam Nicholas with the Prince George Fire Centre.
The percentages are tracked over a ten year period beginning the start of each fire season.
The BC Wildfire Service says 303 wildfires in the zone were held to under four hectares this year with 241 of the fires officially declared out.
“The reason it's important to keep these fires to the size of four hectares is because every fire that's contained in its earliest stages means more firefighters, heavy equipment, aircraft and structural protection units are available to attend to other wildfires,” said Nicholas.
There is now 424 active wildfires burning across the province with the majority caused by lightening activity.
The service is expecting that number to rise in the coming days.
They add that 94 per cent of all new fires have been brought under control thanks to the work of the Initial Attack Crews.
“We’re glad to be keeping up with these seasonal averages despite having a drought and high fire weather indices earlier this year,” said the BC Wildfire Service.
Currently, 162 crews, each consisting of four to five men and women, are tackling new fire starts across the province.
