Lightning drives B.C. wildfire count past 100
BC wildfires surge past 100 as lightning sparks new blazes across the province See evacuation updates, major fire locations and current weather alerts now
Lightning has rapidly escalated the wildfire situation in British Columbia, pushing the number of active fires past 100 after a relatively quiet start to the week. Provincial fire officials said about 115 fires were burning by Saturday morning, with most of the newest blazes linked to thousands of lightning strikes.
The sharp increase has led to more evacuation orders and alerts across the province, especially in the southern Interior and the Fraser Canyon. In Boston Bar, some residents left while others stayed behind to protect homes, businesses and livestock, even as officials urged people in affected areas to evacuate.
Several major fires were reported in the Cariboo and around Pemberton. The Signal Hill fire near Pemberton was classified as being held, while the Fiftynine Creek fire near Big Bar Lake expanded quickly and prompted evacuations at the campground and nearby properties. Weather warnings, smoke advisories and a heat warning were also in effect across parts of B.C.