21 B.C. Wildfires Sparked in Only One Day

Thousands upon thousands of hectares of land in British Columbia is currently on fire or has already experienced excessive burning, costing the province nearly $2 million on Wednesday alone.

According to Chief Fire Information Officer Kevin Skrepnek, there are currently 140 wildfires burning in British Columbia, 92 of which were lightning caused. Lightning and holdover spots in the province helped to spark over 20 new fires on Wednesday; however, some of the wildfires were also human caused.

The estimated cost of Wednesday’s fire suppression efforts: $1.9 million.

Since the beginning of fire season in B.C., an estimated 1,486 wildfires have ravaged the province, approximately 283,000 hectares of land has been affected, and over $196 million has been spent on firefighting efforts.

“Looking at our ten year average, in terms of the fires to date we’re slightly above normal, but certainly in terms of the hectares burned we are certainly in excess of that ten year average,” said Skrepnek.

Warm temperatures are still in the forecast, with windy conditions expected to roll into southern B.C.

Rain will likely cool down the province although, BC Wildfire crews are also anticipating lightning activity, specifically in the southern Interior.

Crews are expecting an active fire situation with the coming weather, said Skrepnek.

There are currently five fires of note burning in the Coastal Fire Centre, and all Ontario and Australian crew members have left.

A South African crew arrived a few days ago and is currently working on the Wood Lake fire near Harrison Lake.

Most of Southern B.C. is still under a fire ban, which will likely remain in effect for the remainder of the season.

On a lighter note, Smokey the Bear celebrated his 71st birthday earlier this week. Born in 1944, Smokey is still reminding residents that “only we can prevent forest fires.”