British Columbia wildfires surge as heat, lightning intensify

British Columbia is experiencing a sharp escalation in wildfire activity. The provincial Wildfire Service reported 118 active fires across the province, including eight on Vancouver Island, with 51 out of control, 26 evacuation orders and 26 communities on alert. Lightning is suspected in six of the island fires, while one is believed to be human‑caused. The largest island fire near Kalpit Lake has burned over six hectares.

Across BC, about 975 sq km have burned this season after roughly 34,000 lightning strikes in a week. More than 100 fires are active, with major complexes near Boston Bar, Clinton and Kimberley. Around 1,900 personnel, 105 aircraft and, for the first time, drones are being deployed to back‑burn and protect communities, as officials warn that hot, dry, windy conditions will sustain the season’s intensity.