Lightning-triggered wildfires continue to ravage parts of British Columbia, leading to more evacuations as firefighters struggle to contain the flames.
According to the BC Wildfire Service, there are currently 136 active wildfires burning across the province, with 12 of them being classified as “wildfires of note.” These are fires that are highly visible or pose a potential threat to public safety.
The most recent wildfire of note, the Sparks Lake fire, has forced the evacuation of over 1,000 residents in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. The fire, which was sparked by lightning on June 28, has grown to over 20,000 hectares and is currently 10% contained.
In addition to the Sparks Lake fire, the Tremont Creek fire, also caused by lightning, has prompted the evacuation of over 300 residents in the Thompson-Nicola and Okanagan-Similkameen regions. This fire has grown to over 8,000 hectares and is currently 0% contained.
The BC Wildfire Service has stated that the extreme heat and dry conditions in the province have made it difficult for firefighters to contain the fires. As a result, more resources, including additional personnel and equipment, have been deployed to assist in the firefighting efforts.
Evacuation orders and alerts have also been issued for several other areas, including the communities of Lytton, Spences Bridge, and Boston Flats. Residents in these areas are urged to follow evacuation orders and be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
The BC Wildfire Service is reminding the public to be vigilant and report any new wildfires immediately by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone. They also urge people to follow all fire safety precautions, including not leaving campfires unattended and properly disposing of cigarettes.
The province has also implemented a campfire ban and restricted access to certain areas to prevent human-caused wildfires.
As the wildfire situation in British Columbia continues to escalate, officials are urging residents to stay informed and follow all evacuation orders and alerts. The safety of the public and firefighters remains the top priority as efforts to contain these devastating wildfires continue.
