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B.C.’s fire season is surging as the number of active wildfires has exploded from 60 to 120 in the last 24 hours, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS).
The service says the surprising increase in fires can be attributed to the more than 13,000 lightning strikes during that time period — with even more expected.
Here are notable fires burning around the province:
Wesley Ridge fire on Vancouver Island
A fire northwest of Nanaimo has caused an evacuation order for properties on the north side of Cameron Lake, including Chalet Road and Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park at Cameron Lake.
The Regional District of Nanaimo has also issued an evacuation alert for nearly 300 properties to the northeast of the lake for the Little Qualicum River Village. An evacuation alert asks residents to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
The fire grew from 60 to 90 hectares overnight and is classified as “out of control” by the BCWS, meaning it is spreading or expected to spread beyond the current perimeter.
The fire is suspected to be human-caused.
Highway 4 is not currently impacted, but the wildfire service asks locals to check www.drivebc.ca for the most up-to-date conditions.
Drought Hill wildfire between Peachland and Kelowna
The Drought Hill fire is burning an area of about 57 hectares, two kilometres north of Peachland between Highway 97C and Highway 97.
The fire is now classified as “being held” rather than “out of control,” according to the latest update Friday morning. It means the fire is projected to remain within its current perimeter.
About 280 properties were downgraded from an evacuation order to an evacuation alert Thursday afternoon, but around 120 properties remain on an evacuation order.
There were 35 wildland firefighters responding, alongside firefighters from Peachland, Kelowna and North Westside fire departments, according to Central Okanagan Emergency Operations.
“Crews are currently assessing fire conditions this morning, which look favourable and anticipate evacuation orders lifted at some point today,” said an update on the emergency operations centre’s website.
The fire is suspected to be human-caused.
Lytton Fire: Cantilever Bar
Two properties in Lytton First Nation are on evacuation order due to an “immediate danger to life and safety” from the Cantilever Bar wildfire, according to Chief Niakia Hanna.
The fire, which has been burning about 10 kilometres south of the village of Lytton since Monday, has grown to 1,262 hectares in size as of Friday morning.
The BCWS says there is a “vigorous surface fire with a moderate to high rate of spread, open flame and occasional candling visible.”
There are 77 wildland firefighters and five helicopters responding to the Cantilever Bar fire.
The fire is suspected to be human-caused.
Bear Creek fire near Harrison Hot Springs
A 124-hectare fire is burning out of control on the east side of Harrison Lake near Harrison Hot Springs.
Fraser Valley Regional District has issued an evacuation alert for the North Cascade Bay area on the east side of Harrison Lake due to the fire.
The BCWS says there is “increasing hazard” including rockfall along the Harrison East Forest Road and notes drivers heading north will be turned back, but drivers going south and travelling away from the fire will be let through to leave the area, as of Thursday night.
The fire is suspected to be human-caused.
Pitt Meadows fire
A fire in Pitt Meadows is being held at 0.1 hectares in the 200 block of Richardson Road, where forested land borders residential properties.
The City of Pitt Meadows said Thursday two homes in the immediate area were evacuated as a precaution, but there were no reports of injuries to people or animals.
Pitt Meadows Fire and Rescue Service is leading the response, with support from Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue and the B.C. Wildfire Service.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
