What you need to know about B.C. wildfires on Aug. 5
British Columbia is facing an escalation in wildfire activity due to a return of hot, dry weather conditions. Officials warn that current fire behavior is unprecedented, with over 100 fires currently burning across the province.
Why it matters
Increasingly severe wildfire seasons highlight the tangible impacts of climate change on public safety and infrastructure.
The period of cooler, more humid weather that provided some relief for crews battling the Pear Lake wildfire has come to an end, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS).
It says hotter, drier conditions have returned and are expected to increase fire activity in the coming days.
In the southern Interior, temperatures are expected to hit the mid-30s this week, with the possibility of dry lightning.
As of 4:40 p.m. PT, there are 115 wildfires burning across B.C. Nine started in the last 24 hours, and 54 are burning out of control.
A total of 85 of the fires currently burning are believed to have been caused by lightning.
According to Natural Resources Canada, nearly half of all wildfires in Canada are caused by lightning on average. Lighting strikes are on the rise, and are expected to increase with climate change.
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