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2w ago

B.C. Wildfires Jump to About 140 as Lightning Ignitions Drive Weekend Surge

Officials say a lightning‑driven surge follows thousands of strikes that hit hot, dry terrain.

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

  • The BC Wildfire Service reports roughly 140 active fires on Sunday morning, up from 68 on Wednesday.
  • Nearly 80% of current blazes are attributed to lightning after about 4,400 strikes Friday and Saturday, largely in the Cariboo and Coastal regions.
  • About 40% of the active fires are classified as out of control, with additional incidents listed as being held or under control.
  • Forecasters expect the lightning risk to ease on Sunday, though hot, dry weather will continue across much of the province.
  • Smoke prompted air-quality advisories, including a special statement for the Chilcotin and notices in the northeast where haze was worsened by Northwest Territories fires.