B.C. storm causes new wildfires, airport delays after more than 7K lightning strikes
A severe thunderstorm in British Columbia triggered over 7,000 lightning strikes, resulting in 57 new wildfires and significant flight delays at Vancouver International Airport. While recent precipitation has helped mitigate fire intensity, officials warn that upcoming hot and dry conditions could exacerbate the situation.
Why it matters
The event highlights the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and their cascading impact on both public safety and critical infrastructure.
A strong system of thunderstorms in British Columbia has sparked new wildfires , with more than 7,000 lightning strikes within 24 hours between Saturday and Sunday.
B.C. Wildfire Service said on Sunday the province had experienced a subtropical weather system that brought high temperatures and widespread lightning.
“There were lightning-caused wildfires in all southern fire centres yesterday after more than 7,000 strikes were recorded,” the service said in its provincial situation report.
The service said many of the areas affected by lightning received a good amount of precipitation, however, which helped decrease fire behaviour and the likelihood of new starts.
While it did not specify how many were sparked by lightning, the service said 57 new fires had started in the last 24 hours. Another 15 were declared out during the same period.
There are 172 active wildfires in the province as of Sunday.
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