Over 100 new wildfires spark in BC

Dozens of those blazes have the potential to harm both people and property

Over 100 new wildfires spark in BC

Catastrophe & Flood

By Lyle Adriano

Thanks to lightning and hot weather, more than 100 new wildfires have appeared in BC, bringing the total number of blazes in the province to nearly 300.

Of the 100 new fires, about three dozen of them have the potential to endanger both people and property. In addition, the 325 square kilometre White Rock Lake fire has encroached Highway 97 between Kamloops and Vernon, prompting more evacuation orders.

As of August 05, there were more than 60 evacuation orders for about 4,200 properties in BC. Meanwhile, the residents of approximately 21,000 other properties have been advised to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice, The Canadian Press reported.

BC Wildfire Service director of fire centre operations Rob Schweitzer said that the fire is a major concern, as strong winds are expected to further increase fire activity and complicate firefighting efforts. Schweitzer added that the wildfire service has committed 25 structural protection personnel from 25 fire departments across the province to protect properties in the area, while over 130 firefighters and 13 helicopters work to control the fires.

The director added that the wildfire service has responded to 1,387 fires that have burned 5,730 square kilometres so far this season. He noted that the 10-year average for this time of year is 797 fires and roughly 1,220 square kilometres.

The fire danger is rated “high” to “extreme” in BC’s southern Interior, Lower Mainland, and Sunshine Coast, as well as a good portion of Vancouver Island.

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