B.C. wildfires close to surpassing 2010 for area burned
More out-of-province firefighters are arriving in B.C. this weekend to help battle stubborn wildfires that are raging across the province.
B.C.'s wildfire Management Branch says the help from Ontario and Alberta is needed so existing fire crews and staff coordinating the battle against the blazes can take some mandatory days off.
So far, in 2014, more than 300,000 hectares have been burned by wildfires, with the majority of the burned areas roughly between the Northwest and the Prince George fire districts.
Here's a look at some of the other 2014 B.C. wildfire numbers:
162
The number of wildfires actively burning in B.C. as of Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014.
360
The number of out-of-province firefighters and personnel who are assisting in B.C. firefighting efforts. Ninety new firefighters from Ontario and Alberta are arriving in Prince George over the weekend.
75
The number of firefighters from Australia engaged in B.C. wildfire response.
1,269
The total number of B.C. wildfires reported in 2014, so far.
314,895
An estimate of the total number of hectares burned by wildfires in B.C. in 2014, so far.
337,149
The total number of hectares burned in B.C. in 2010, when the province's cost for firefighting reached $212 million.
In 2009, when there were almost double the number of fires over fewer hectares, the year's firefighting cost reached $382 million.
