Something we've never seen before: BC Wildfire Service reports 40 fires of note
The BC Wildfire Service said while overall, the number of wildfires burning is trending downward, the number of wildfires of note is at 40 -- an unprecedented number. A wildfire is considered of note when it is highly visible, or threatens people or structures.
"This is something that we have not seen before," said Fire Information Officer Karley Desrosiers.
As of Monday at 1 p.m., 256 wildfires were reported to be burning across the province. That number is lower than it was earlier this month, but the risk remains, especially in the southeast, where there's been no reprieve from higher-than-average temperatures.
The early and aggressive start to the wildfire season means firefighters are stretched to capacity. Reinforcements from across B.C., Canada and Mexico, as well as the Canadian Armed Forces, joined the fight Monday. Desrosiers said 500 more people were expected on the front lines Monday, compared to Friday.
Later this week the province expects an additional 34 firefighters from Australia to help in the fight.
"We are still in the phase of triage fires based on based on the main priorities, which are human life, structures, wildlife and economic values. And not all of the fires that are currently burning are able to be resourced," she explained.
The Nk'Mip Creek wildfire continues to burn, and Incident Commander Jane Park explained the crew from Mexico will help with that fire.
"We are extremely grateful for their assistance given how short the resources have been here in the province," she said.
The fire, which is burning in Osoyoos, continues to grow, but due to heavy smoke, officials say they can't say how large it is.
The Thomas Creek wildfire in the Okanagan continues to burn. Officials said there has been significant fire activity.
A landmark cabin was saved by firefigthers battling high winds. They burned small pieces of dry fuel around the cabin to direct the fire away from it. Mike McCulley from the BCWildfire Service said it worked.
"The cabin is still standing," he explained, calling it a win.
Despite the win, McCulley said there was growth and more evacuation orders may be on the way. As of Monday afternoon, there was no change.
More than 4,000 properties are ordered evacuated; another 17,000-plus are on alert.
Many regions blanketed by smoke are popular summer vacation destinations. The wildfire service says smoke may be visible from highways, and those travelling should know specifics about where to find fire information for where they're headed.
"Know where the fires are in the area that you are going. Be make sure you are aware of any area restrictions, evacuation alerts or orders in those areas. Be prepared to leave at any moment should there be a new evacuation order and alert implemented and make sure that if you are traveling to to an unfamiliar area that you are aware of which regional district and or local municipality governs that region so you know where to get that most of that up to date and accurate information," added Desrosiers.
This is a developing news story.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.