started · updated
British Columbia wildfires burn 477,521 hectares in 2026 season
British Columbia is experiencing an intense 2026 wildfire season, with 1,420 fires recorded since April 1, burning a total of 477,521 hectares. While recent rain and cooler weather in late August and early September have moderated fire behavior, drought concerns persist, and dry conditions are expected to continue through the fall.
In the Sooke Hills, a human-caused wildfire has grown to 15 hectares and is currently classified as out of control. The blaze, located four kilometers west of the Sooke River, has produced smoke visible across Greater Victoria. Although it does not currently threaten public safety or critical infrastructure, officials warn that the situation is changing rapidly. Meanwhile, a smaller out-of-control fire at Pat Phillip Creek has shrunk slightly from 0.5 to 0.3 hectares.
Nationwide, the season has impacted various regions, including the Okanagan, where smoke from fires like the Bradley Creek and Bald Range wildfires has created significant visibility and breathing challenges for travelers.
Entities
BC Wildfire Service · British Columbia · British Columbia Wildfire Service · Capital Regional District · Mosaic Forests · Mount Jack · Neal McLoughlin · Sooke · Sooke Hills · Vancouver Island · Victoria
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 5 SOURCES] A separate wildfire at Pat Phillip Creek has shrunk from 0.5 hectares to 0.3 hectares.
- [● 6 SOURCES] The Sooke wildfire is classified as out of control. aldergrovestar.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] The fire is located in the Sooke Hills, four kilometres west of Sooke River. aldergrovestar.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] The fire does not currently pose a threat to public safety or critical infrastructure. aldergrovestar.com
- [DISPUTED] The wildfire near Sooke has grown to 15 hectares.
- [● 6 SOURCES] The BC Wildfire Service reported a significant increase in fire activity on September 21 due to warm and dry conditions. aldergrovestar.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Of the wildfires recorded this year, 62 per cent were caused by lightning and 35 per cent were human-caused. caledoniacourier.com · kimberleybulletin.com · lakecowichangazette.com · quesnelobserver.com · albernivalleynews.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Wildfires in British Columbia have burned 477,521 hectares during the 2026 season. caledoniacourier.com · kimberleybulletin.com · lakecowichangazette.com · quesnelobserver.com · albernivalleynews.com
- [DISPUTED] The Mount Jack wildfire near Sooke has grown to more than 50 hectares. aldergrovestar.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Since April 1, British Columbia has recorded 1,420 wildfires. caledoniacourier.com · kimberleybulletin.com