Wildfires

Wildfires - Oregon, USA

Progress continued Sunday in the fight against Oregon's remaining significant wildfires, with the possibility of rain on Monday and Tuesday offering potential further relief.

In Estacada, the 36 Pit Fire was 69 percent contained by Sunday evening, though several roads, including Highway 224 remained closed to the general public, but open to residents and workers escorted by pilot cars. The 5,520-acre blaze began Sept. 13, and investigators have since determined the fire was started by target shooters' hot bullet fragments igniting dry tinder near the out-of-use rock quarry.

In Josephine County, the 4,134-acre Onion Mountain Fire was 95 percent contained Sunday, and the last heavy helicopter that was assigned to the fire was released at the end of the shift. Firefighters expect to have the fire fully contained by Tuesday. The fire began on Sept. 13.

The Deception Complex Fire near Oakridge also was 95 percent contained Sunday, with milder temperatures and a lower sun angle helping in firefighting efforts. The 6,033-acre fire began on Aug. 11 and was caused by lightning strikes.

The weather forecast for Oregon could offer help in efforts against the wildfires. A weak weather system is expected to move into the state Monday, bringing the possibility of rain on Monday and Tuesday. A high pressure system is expected to bring back warmer and drier weather Wednesday through Saturday.

Wildfires - British Columbia, Canada

There are still two massive blazes crews are trying to contain.

The Chelaslie River Fire has been burning since early July and it’s about 133,000 hectares in size and the Mount McCallister fire just west of Chetwynd is roughly 26,000 hectares. No homes are presently in danger.

So far, BC has spent nearly $300 million fighting wildfires, burning through the initial $63 million budget.