The number of active wildfires in British Columbia is holding steady at just under 340 as the provincial government warns of increasing fire risk this coming long weekend.
A statement from the government says people in wildfire-prone areas are "strongly urged" to be vigilant, adhere to fire bans, and be prepared with an emergency plan.
Environment Canada is forecasting a return of hotter temperatures over the long weekend, particularly in the southern Interior.
Campfire bans remain in place for much of the province, including Vancouver Island in the Coastal Fire Centre.
The weather office has issued heat warnings for several areas, including the Fraser Canyon, the Okanagan, the South Thompson region and the Kootenays, where daily highs are expected to reach into the upper 30s before cooling after the weekend.
The North Thompson will see temperatures in the low- to mid-30s, and another warning says much of eastern Vancouver Island will see daily highs into the high 20s.
A smoky skies bulletin is also in effect for East Columbia and Arrow and Slocan lakes areas in southeastern B.C., a hot spot for many active wildfires.
Dry lightning strikes sparked dozens of new fires in that area last month, pushing B.C.'s wildfire total above 400 before the arrival of rain and cooler temperatures.
The B.C. government says hundreds of people remain on evacuation order, many of whom have been forced from their homes due to fires in the Kootenay region.
The BC Wildfire Service says 40 per cent of the roughly 340 active blazes across the province are burning out of control, with eight new starts in the last 24 hours.
Just over 70 fires are classified as "being held" and 129 are "under control."
The Old Man Lake wildfire near Sooke was being held as of Wednesday and estimated to be 230 hectares.
An update posted Wednesday said crews continued to make good progress containing the south and north flanks of the fire. The west flank along the Sooke River is fully contained.
As a precaution, the Capital Regional District has closed several regional parks and trails in the area:
- Sea to Sea Regional Park
- Sooke Potholes Regional Park
- Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground
- The Galloping Goose Regional Trail northbound at kilometre 46, just south of the Todd Creek Trestle
- Access to Kapoor Regional Park
Visitors are asked to avoid accessing these areas through other parks.
The BC Wildfire Service had not posted an update on the fire as of Thursday afternoon.
There are more than 1,600 firefighting personnel, 200 structure protection workers, and more than 180 aircraft currently deployed across the province.
— With files from the Times Colonist
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 1, 2024.
