Upcoming heat wave prompts concerns among B.C. firefighters

VANCOUVER – Firefighters in British Columbia are concerned another heat wave will spark more fires across the province.

An information officer with the B.C. Wildfire Management Branch, says temperatures are expected to rise again next week, especially in the southern interior, where they could reach the mid-30s.

Kevin Skrepnek says rainfall throughout the province this week gave firefighters a break, but expectations of hot, dry conditions are raising concerns.

Roughly 2,500 personnel have been committed to battling the blazes provincewide.

The largest fire is the 520-square-kilometre blaze in Chelaslie River, south of Burns Lake in the north-central area of the province, which has not affected populated areas.

Evacuation orders throughout B.C. were rescinded this week thanks to provincewide showers, though some residents have been warned they may have to leave again at a moment's notice.

Ninety-five wildfires are burning in B.C.

There have been 698 fires in the province since April 1, compared with 518 fires this time last year.