More Evacuation Orders Issued in British Columbia as Heat Wave Fuels Lightning-Induced Wildfires
Wildfires sparked by lightning strikes over the weekend have led to numerous evacuation orders and alerts throughout British Columbia, worsened by a persistent heat wave.
The BC Wildfire Service reported on Sunday that over 300 fires are currently being fought, with evacuation orders in effect in Central and East Kootenay, Thompson-Nicola, Cariboo, and Bulkley-Nechako regions.
“Firefighters are facing challenges in suppressing fires due to high temperatures, dry conditions, and localized winds,” stated the wildfire service in their Sunday update. “The heat wave is expected to continue over the next few weeks, exacerbating these conditions.”
Environment Canada confirmed that 14 communities in BC broke or matched their daily high-temperature records on Saturday, with Lytton recording a high of 41.2 degrees, breaking a record set in 1946.
Record-breaking temperatures were also observed in Cranbrook, Merritt, Princeton, Trail, and Vernon, with all reaching at least 36 degrees.
Firefighters highlighted the extreme heat as a major factor complicating suppression efforts once fires ignite, emphasizing the need to prioritize initial attacks on new blazes.
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One significant fire, the Island Pond fire near Canal Flats in East Kootenay, grew to around 1 square kilometre after being discovered on Saturday.
The Regional District of East Kootenay declared a local state of emergency and issued evacuation orders for two addresses, with 65 other properties on alert for immediate evacuation.
In the Cariboo Regional District, residents of 29 land parcels in the Kuyakuz Lake area covering 923 square kilometres were ordered to evacuate due to five out-of-control wildfires, four of which were caused by lightning.
Evacuation orders were also issued for the Barkerville Historic Town and Park, where fires, including the 13.5-square-kilometre Antler Creek fire, posed a threat.
Additionally, an evacuation order was issued for Wells, B.C., due to the same fire, with authorities emphasizing the risk to public safety.
Stewart Cawood, Barkerville’s public programming and media manager, expressed concern over the impact of wildfires on tourism, noting the park’s closure and uncertain reopening amidst the crisis.
Authorities are expediting evacuations in Barkerville due to immediate life safety risks posed by the fires.
New evacuation orders and alerts remain in place for the Shetland Creek fire near Spences Bridge, while communities like Ashcroft and Cache Creek remain on alert.
In Central Kootenay, Silverton and surrounding areas are on high alert due to wildfires, with evacuation orders in effect for several properties.
Evacuation orders have also been issued across Slocan Lake, affecting waterfront parcels and Valhalla Provincial Park near Nemo Creek.
