With four to five centimetres of snow already on the ground and another 10 centimetres expected to fall Friday evening, fire crews battling the Siphon Creek and Beatton Airport Road wildfires are getting a well-deserved break.
And so are residents. The Peace River Regional District lifted both evacuation alerts for residents in the two areas Friday.
But due to the recent, unsettled weather conditions and fallen trees, road access for the firefighters is impeded, which means they're sitting out the storm in camp.
"Weather conditions are impeding road access and helicopters are at this time unable to fly, so crews aren't on the fires today because it's not safe," said Amanda Reynolds, fire information officer.
"Helicopters aren't able to fly due to poor visibility and winter conditions, so we can't even move crews via helicopter."
Conditions will be reassessed tomorrow, and if it's safe to do so, they'll get back to work.
The weather is "helping with suppression efforts a lot," Reynolds said.
However, just because snow is falling doesn't mean the fire won't see growth in the coming days.
"Keep in mind we did have snow two weekends ago and we had elevated activity last weekend, so just because we are receiving snow doesn't mean that we're out of the woods yet," said Erin Catherall, fire information officer for the Siphon Creek wildfire.
Just one week after that snowfall, the fire grew by 10,000 hectares.
"This is just an indication that the fuel type that we have out this way, the hazard levels are quick to rebound to high," she said.
"If we do have a few days of continual warm temperatures and low RH's (relative humidity levels), that can dry out forest fuels and allow for a high risk again."
The Siphon Creek wildfire remains at 85,300 hectares, with 62,700 hectares burning in B.C. and the other 22,600 hectares in Alberta. It is 35 per cent contained.
The Beatton Airport Road fire, located 45 kilometres north of Fort St. John, is 15,460 hectares, and is 65 per cent contained.
Despite the snow, crews are at work on the Halfway River wildfire, which spans 5,800 hectares and is 50 per cent contained.
"They got some snow in the morning but it's safe enough for them to be out, and they're able to access the fire," Reynolds said.
Seventy-three firefighters, five helicopters, three pieces of heavy equipment and 15 support staff are working to contain the Halfway River wildfire today.
"Crews most likely be working a shorter day, but they are there today."
