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8h ago

B.C. Wildfires Climb to 130–140 as Dry Lightning Spurs Rapid Surge

Lightning accounts for roughly three quarters of new ignitions across hot, dry fuels.

Smoke from the Sailor Bar wildfire is seen in this handout photo, north of Yale, B.C., on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout- BC Wildfire Service (Mandatory Credit)
The paddle wheeler Constitution passes the container ship GSL Lydia docked at port, while sailing on the harbour as wildfire smoke hangs in the air, in Vancouver, on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025.

Overview

  • BC Wildfire Service reports roughly 130 to 140 active fires provincewide, up from 68 mid-week.
  • About 50 fires are classified as out of control, and officials attribute 70–80% of recent starts to lightning.
  • Crews recorded roughly 31–37 new ignitions within 24 hours as dry thunderstorms tracked across the south.
  • Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement for the Chilcotin as smoke spread across southern B.C.
  • On Vancouver Island, a 1.5‑kilometre stretch of Bamfield Main Road remains closed for hazard remediation, and the Mount Underwood fire is being held while crews assess and repair infrastructure.