Recent rain and cooler temperatures have helped out the B.C. Wildfire Service as crews continue their effort containing four major wildfires in the Peace region.

The four fires, including the Beatton Airport Road, Siphon Creek, Carter Road and Halfway River fires, are still being fought continuously.

Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service.

The largest fire, the Siphon Creek fire, is covering almost 60,000 hectares in land, partially in B.C. and partially in Alberta. It is only 30 per cent contained at this time.

At last update, 166 firefighters were working against the blaze, along with eight helicopters and 18 pieces of heavy equipment.

Some residents in the Peace River Regional District are still under evacuation alert.

The Beatton Airport Road fire is now 15,000 hectares in size. Over the last few days, crews have worked to build control lines, and the fire is now set at 45 per cent contained.

Fire suppression crews on the Beatton Airport Road fire are strongly advising any members of the public who have, or intend to enter the area, to remain out. Equipment and crews will be travelling in the area and visibility will be reduced due to smoke.

Weather conditions have enabled crews to establish fire control lines with heavy equipment and prepare for planned ignition operations to help fight these wildfires.

Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service.Siphon Creek Fire.

People in the area may see more smoke over the next couple of days as crews burn off unburned fuels between the control lines and the perimeters of these fires.

Planned ignition operations are carried out on wildfires to enhance the overall safety, efficiency and effectiveness of fire management efforts. The primary goal is to remove available fuels in the wildfire's path so there is nothing left to burn.

The BC Wildfire Service strongly urges members of the public who have no legitimate reason to be in a wildfire area to stay well away, for the safety of them and the fire crews.