The B.C. Wildfire Service said wildfire activity has increased significantly across the Southeast Fire Centre following a surge of lightning.
Since Wednesday, July 15, more than 2,400 lightning strikes have been recorded in the region, sparking 38 new wildfires. With another period of hot, dry and windy weather expected, officials anticipate additional fire starts.
Ground crews, aircraft and heavy equipment continue to respond to fires throughout the region. Priority is being given to fires that threaten communities, the wildland-urban interface or critical infrastructure.
Smoke increased across many parts of the fire centre on Friday, with much of it drifting north from active wildfires in Washington and Oregon. Officials said smoke conditions will depend on wind patterns over the coming days. Smoke forecasts are available through the B.C. Wildfire Service map and app. Information on the health effects of wildfire smoke is available from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
The wildfire service is urging anyone travelling in the backcountry to check DriveBC for road closures and the B.C. Wildfire Service map and app for wildfire activity and area restrictions before leaving. Recreationists should monitor changing conditions, plan exit routes and carry a reliable means of communication.
Boaters are also being reminded to stay clear of aircraft collecting water from lakes and rivers. Officials said interfering with firefighting operations is dangerous and prohibited under the Wildfire Act.
The public is also asked to avoid active fire operations, obey directions from emergency personnel and give firefighting crews room to work safely.
Smoke also increased across many parts of the Southeast Fire Centre, with much of it drifting north from active wildfires in Washington and Oregon. Air quality may deteriorate as smoke levels fluctuate with changing wind conditions over the coming days.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local air quality and smoke forecasts through the B.C. Wildfire Service map and app, and to follow health guidance from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, particularly if they are at greater risk from smoke exposure.
Wildfires, unattended campfires and open-burning violations can be reported by calling *5555 from a cellphone, calling 1-800-663-5555, or by using the “Report a Fire” feature in the B.C. Wildfire Service app. The app allows users to submit photos with reports and can store reports until service is available.
Current wildfire information is available at BCWildfire.ca, through the B.C. Wildfire Service map and app, and on the service’s Facebook and Instagram channels.
Report a wildfire
You can report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation by:
- Dialing *5555 on a cell phone
- Calling 1 800 663-5555 toll-free
- Reporting through the BC Wildfire App Report a fire function
- Reporting through the app lets you upload images and can be used without service.
Stay up-to-date with the latest wildfire news
- BCWildfire.ca
- BC Wildfire Map
- BC Wildfire App: Apple or Android
- Facebook and Instagram
