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Rain Eases B.C. Wildfires as Newfoundland Battles Its Largest Blaze With Federal Support

Forecasted weekend heat, dry lightning threaten to reverse recent containment gains on Vancouver Island

Overview

  • Cooler, wetter conditions in British Columbia have reduced active wildfires to just over 100, with more than 160 blazes declared out in the past week.
  • The Wesley Ridge fire near Cameron Lake covers about 5.7 square kilometres; crews have built helipads and fuel-free lines in steep terrain, and firefighters report no structures lost so far.
  • Approximately 300 addresses on Vancouver Island remain under evacuation orders and over 350 more are on evacuation alerts as crews work to strengthen containment.
  • Forecasts for rising temperatures accompanied by dry lightning and elevated winds this weekend raise concerns of intensified fire activity across burning areas.
  • In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Kingston fire has grown to about 2,875 hectares, spurring mass evacuations, Canadian Armed Forces and Coast Guard support, and new fines up to $150,000 with potential jail sentences for fire-ban breaches.