The B.C. Wildfire Service says the wildfire at Bearhole Lake is now under control.
An area restriction put in place to fight the fire has now been lifted, with the public advised to use caution while travelling or working in the area.
"Before entering any area affected by a wildfire, members of the public should be aware that significant safety hazards may be present," the wildfire service said Thursday.
"Trees that have been damaged by fire might be unstable and could fall, particularly under the forecasted winds for the Peace region in the coming days. Ash pits can be hard to detect and can remain hot long after the flames have died down."
While the 6400-plus hectare fire continues to burn in some areas and smoulder in others, crews were able to make significant progress with last week’s cooler temperatures and the rain that followed over the long weekend.
“Nearby communities can expect to see smoke and low-vigour flame within the fire’s perimeter, likely until there is snowfall,” the wildfire service said.
“Smoke appearing within the fire perimeter is common; smoke coming from green, unburnt fuel or from outside the fire’s perimeter should be reported immediately.”
Meanwhile, the wildfire service says recent weather has also helped to decrease activity on the Battleship Mountain wildfire, with "no significant growth" since Sept. 15.
The agency says a cold front will bring strong and gusting winds up to 50 kilometres from the west and southwest later today. The winds are expected to be sustained overnight and expected to cause increased smoke in the area.
“Despite the winds, no significant growth or aggressive fire behaviour are expected,” the wildfire service said.
The wildfire service reports 106 firefighters, two helicopters, and nine pieces of heavy equipment assigned to the fire today. Six danger tree assessors and fallers are supporting ground crews.
Both W.A.C. Bennett Dam crest road and the Johnson Creek forest road off Highway 29 remain closed due to what the wildfire service describes as “post-wildfire risks as well as ongoing suppression and rehabilitation activities.”
“Although the immediate threat has subsided, a number of hazards still exist such as danger trees, hydrophobic soil, increased traffic on roadways and ongoing suppression activities," the wildfire service said.
— with files from Dave Lueneberg
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