Two major wildfires in northeast B.C. downgraded after rain, leaving one fire of note

The BC Wildfire Service says recent rain in the province’s central Interior and northeast has significantly reduced wildfire activity, with two of the three most significant blazes this season now no longer classified as fires of note.

The service says the Prince George fire centre has received up to 100 millimetres of rain and more is expected over the next few days and that the favourable weather has aided in the fight against the Kiskatinaw River and Pocket Knife Creek wildfires in the northeast.

That leaves the 800-square-kilometre Summit Lake wildfire burning out of control in the northeast as the province’s only fire of note — indicating that either homes are threatened or it’s highly visible.

The BC Wildfire Service says there is a risk of thunderstorms across central and northern B.C., but the province will see cooler temperatures starting Friday and into the weekend, with some areas expected to get heavy rain.

Both the Kiskatinaw River and Pocket Knife Creek wildfires are suspected to have been caused by lightning.

The 263-square-kilometre Kiskatinaw River fire was deemed Wednesday to be no longer out of control, ahead of losing its wildfire-of-note designation.

It is now described as being held and it isn’t expected to grow beyond its current perimeter.

The Pocket Knife Creek wildfire, northwest of Fort. St. John, remains the biggest blaze in B.C. at more than 1,500 square kilometres, and has also been declared held.

There are more than 80 wildfires burning in B.C.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2025.