May 9, 2024 – Wolf Depner/The Abbotsford News

B.C.’s Emergency Minister is warning of increased wildfire activity in B.C. as temperatures are expected to reach 30 C this weekend.

“With these heightened temperatures, we may see an increase in wildfire activity, particularly in the northeast,” Bowinn Ma said on Thursday (May 9) while in Victoria.

Ma and other land and resource-focused ministers offered updates on wildfire and drought mitigation efforts.

“We are prepared for the worst and hoping for the best,” Ma said.

Forests Minister Bruce Ralston said many wildfires are already burning in B.C. “(With) temperatures expected to climb this weekend, these numbers will likely grow,” he said.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, 194 active wildfires are currently burning in B.C. with the northeastern corner of B.C. showing two wildfires out of control.

Ralston identified the Fort Nelson area as a point of concern given rising temperatures and blustery conditions. His ministry has dispatched an incident management team to the region.

Read the full article at abbynews.com.