KAMLOOPS, B.C. - A combination of lightning and tinder-dry conditions has led to more than two dozen new wildfires igniting in British Columbia in a period of less than two days this week.
Kevin Skrepnek of the BC Wildfire Service says the majority of the 17 fires that started Monday were the result of lightning.
Another 11 fires had started by midday Tuesday, bringing the total number of fires seen this season to 928.
Heavy smoke from the fires continues to pose a health risk for infants, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions, and is causing poor visibility on some highways.
An air quality advisory from Environment Canada that already covered the southern half of the province has now expanded north past Smithers.
Skrepnek says while there is still no significant rain in the forecast, inflow winds from the ocean are expected to roll in by Friday and clear the smoke hanging over the south coast.
