Wildfire centre flooded with calls as lightning sparks flames across B.C.
Hot, dry conditions due to heat wave have created optimum conditions for fires
A lightning storm swept across the southern Interior overnight, sparking dozens of small wildfires on Tuesday night.
The B.C. Wildfire Service website shows the fires were sparked along the length of the Okanagan Valley and all the way north to the Williams Lake and Prince George areas.
One of those fires, northwest of Vanderhoof, prompted the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako to issue an evacuation alert for rural properties in the area on Wednesday.
At least 41 new fires were reported and more could be identified Wednesday morning as crews get a better look, said fire information officer Clare Allen.
"It's certainly a busy evening for the wildfire service," said Allen on Tuesday night.
"We really appreciate that folks have been patient waiting on the line in order to report what they're witnessing."
Lightning also hit an apartment building in West Kelowna at around 8 p.m. PT Tuesday, frightening residents and damaging the roof, but not causing any injuries.
More lightning in the forecast
Most of the fires were likely caused by dry lighting and the storm conditions that cause it are brewing again, she warned.
"It's still looking like we might have some challenging weather ahead of us," Allen said on Wednesday morning.
For individuals trying to report new wildfire activity to *5555 / 1-800-663-5555, it is best to wait on the line rather than to hang up and dial again. Please only report wildfires that you suspect have not yet been called in, thank you.
—@BCGovFireInfoAllen said the lightning strikes are building off a significant heatwave over the past few days.
The heat has also dried out forest fuels, which, combined with increased winds and low humidity, makes for optimum wildfire conditions.
A campfire ban for the coastal region starts today but if the hot, dry weather continues one could be coming soon for the whole province, Allen said.
Allen is urging people to be extra cautious outdoors so they don't they don't accidentally cause more fires.
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCWildfire?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCWildfire</a> Service currently responding to 13 new wildfires in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Okanagan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Okanagan</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Similkameen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Similkameen</a> area with ground crews, helicopters, and airtankers. Additional resources are on route to assist. At this time, there are no known threats to structures.
—@BCGovFireInfoNew fire? We just had some rain and lightning. I took this pic from the east side of Skaha Lake. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/penticton?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#penticton</a> <a href="https://t.co/NzG2eLbtyO">pic.twitter.com/NzG2eLbtyO</a>
—@AllisonCrossWith files from the Canadian Press