Photo: City of Williams Lake

Canadian Forces vehicles in Williams Lake.

A prolonged downpour is needed to put a dent in the 167 fires burning across B.C. as of Friday.

Up to 15 millimetres of rain fell in parts of the province on Thursday, but "unfortunately, the weather forecast continues to call for warm and dry conditions," said fire information officer Navi Saini.

Saini said winds are difficult to predict, but officials are expecting moderate gusts on Saturday and "significant winds" on Sunday.

Members of a federal ad hoc committee co-ordinating Ottawa's response to the fires, including Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale and Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, are expected to be meeting with provincial officials this weekend.

The federal government said committee members will also be visiting affected communities to determine what help is needed in addition to current support from departments and agencies including the Canadian Armed Forces, Public Health Agency, RCMP and Canada Post.

About 225 soldiers from Edmonton arrived in Williams Lake on Thursday to help with road closures and ground evacuations, bringing the total number of military members in the area to 375.

More than 3,400 firefighters and other personnel are currently battling the blazes in B.C., including 836 from out of the province.

The Cariboo Regional District said officials from the district, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House and First Nations are combining their efforts to work towards a safe return for residents currently out of their homes.

The district said 100 Mile House is the community closest to having priority services in place, including emergency health care, 911 service, power, food services, waste management services and security.

It said preparations for Williams Lake are not far behind.