140 lightning-caused wildfires detected in B.C. over last 3 days, service says
Lightning has sparked more than 100 new wildfires in British Columbia since Wednesday, as thunderstorms rolled through the provincial Interior.
The BC Wildfire Service says it recorded more than 17,000 lightning strikes across the province from Wednesday to Friday, with more anticipated on Saturday.
Fire information officer Briana Hill told CTV News August is typically the second-most-active month for lightning strikes in the province, after July, so it's not unusual to see many fires started by lightning during the month.
What's "significant," according to Hill, is the duration of the current weather pattern, which has so far brought three straight days of more than 4,000 lightning strikes province-wide.
There were 4,018 strikes on Wednesday, 5,205 on Thursday and 8,607 on Friday, according to BCWS statistics.
Those lightning strikes have led to 140 new wildfire incidents, though more than half – 52 per cent – are now classified as out, being held or under control.
According to the BCWS wildfire dashboard, there were 159 active fires in the province as of 1 p.m. Saturday. That total included 103 blazes that started in the last two days.
Lightning was reported as the cause of 125 of the listed fires, or nearly 80 per cent of the total.
HIGH WINDS IN THE FORECAST
In addition to the possibility of new lightning-sparked fires, crews were also contending with high winds on Saturday.
Gusts up to 50 km/h were in the forecast for parts of the province, bringing with them the potential for increased fire activity and spread, the wildfire service said on Twitter.
Wind can also dry out fuel, making it easier for fires to start, and it can increase the visibility of "holdover fires," the BCWS said.
A holdover fire is a small ignition that may have happened as long as three days ago, but hasn't been spreading or become highly visible, according to Neal McLoughlin, superintendent of predictive services for the BCWS.
"A good example would be where we have a lightning strike that is associated with a thundershower, and maybe some of the rain that's associated doesn't allow that fire to grow and be detected right away," McLoughlin said in a video shared on Twitter Saturday.
The wildfire service asks anyone who sees a possible wildfire to report it by calling 800-662-5555, or simply dialing *5555 from a cellphone.
Fires can also be reported via the BC Wildfire Service mobile app, the service said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A 'tragedy that can't be measured': North Bay's forever chemical problem is also the rest of Canada's
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.
Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Trump heading to Jersey Shore to rally 'mega crowd' in weekend break from hush money trial
After a long week in court, Donald Trump is heading to the Jersey Shore. And his campaign says he'll be joined by "tens of thousands" of his friends.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Quebec woman buys lotto ticket from daughter's store, wins $1 million
A woman from Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Que. won $1 million in a Lotto 6/49 draw and she bought the ticket from her daughter's convenience store.