EDMONTON, Canada (AP) — Scattered showers and thick clouds of smoke cooled air temperatures and helped fight wildfires in Alberta over the weekend, it was reported Sunday authorities, as a new fire in neighboring British Columbia triggered an evacuation order for a rural area.

Although the smoke has brought cooler temperatures, it has also limited the ability to use planes to fight the flames and could harm the health of those who must breathe it in, authorities added.

“I can’t say that one surpasses the other. We will take every opportunity that arises, and if it gives us the opportunity to fight more fires on the ground, then that’s what we can do, ”said the Alberta fire officer, Christie Tucker at a press conference.

Tucker said only five new wildfires started between Friday morning and Sunday morning, some of which he blamed on Albertans following fire restrictions and ATV use. A total of 84 fires burned across the province on Sunday, 23 of which were out of control. More than 10,000 people have taken refuge far from their homes.

“While we’re optimistic the forecast rain will be enough to make a difference to some wildfires in the province, we’re not off the hook just yet,” Tucker warned.

In British Columbia, which has also been battling several wildfires, a wildfire prompted authorities to order the evacuation of an area of ​​Lake Tzenzaicut, about 375 miles (600 kilometers) north of Vancouver . Firefighters had to abandon a property.

Jessica Mack, spokeswoman for the Cariboo Fire Center, said crews were using heavy equipment and aircraft to battle the growing blaze.