Summer in B.C. is just heating up, but the province has already spent almost 90 per cent of this year’s wildfire fighting budget.

Nearly 500 wildfires have broken out since April 1, most in the Prince George fire centre region.

As of Monday, the cost of fighting those fires was about $55 million of the $63 million budgeted for wildfires.

“It’s difficult to forecast wildfire suppression costs as each season varies significantly depending on weather conditions and the number and severity of wildfires that we respond to,” a Ministry of Forests spokesperson said in an email statement.

The Wildfire Management Branch is given automatic approval for additional funding when needed, however, and the province “will always spend what’s necessary to protect people and property.”