A heat wave is baking British Columbia, triggering fire bans and fueling the Tyaughton Lake blaze firefighters are struggling to contain.
Several B.C. cities saw temperature records shattered Tuesday, including the capital. Temperatures reached 30.4 degrees in Victoria, breaking the 31-year record of 27.3 degrees.
Records were set in White Rock, Pitt Meadows and Squamish - where temperatures hit 33 degress - and more records could fall as the heat wave continues.
Open fire bans have been set in Kamloops and the Coastal region already, and Fire Information Officer Kim Steinbart says more bans are expected in the coming days.
"Prince George is effective June 8," Steinbart said. "That will be Category 2 and 3, including resource management burns."
Related: B.C. Wildfire Management Branch open fire bans
The Cariboo region has a ban for Category 2 - backyard and industrial burning - and Category 3 - industrial and resource management burning - set to take effect Thursday.
Steinbart says she is not aware of any impending campfire bans in B.C., but reminded campers to exercise caution.
"We want the public to know that even though they are allowed to have a campfire, there is still a risk," she said. "Never leave campfire unattended, and always be safe with any fire use."
Meanwhile, the wildfire blazing west of Lillooet between Gun Lake and Tyaughton Lake continues to burn.
The fire has scorched 8.5 square kilometres of bush and forced 25 area residents out of their homes - and left 200 others on evacuation alert.
The fire is reported to be 15 per cent contained, and being fought by 100 firefighters, nine helicopters and eight air tankers.
With files from The Canadian Press
