The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is urging British Columbians to exercise caution when outdoors amid a sudden increase in wildfires burning across the province.
“Given the unseasonably high temperatures and prolonged drying, the potential for new wildfire starts remains very high,” wrote the service.
In the past 24 hours, 34 new wildfires have been reported across BC, with only three exceeding one hectare in size.
“Of the new wildfires, six are in the Cariboo Fire Centre, 12 in the Coastal Fire Centre and 11 in the Kamloops Fire Centre,” explained a BCWS situation report.
“1,031 lightning strikes were recorded yesterday, 602 of which occurred in the Cariboo Fire Centre. As a result, it's likely that additional wildfires will continue to be detected in the coming days.”
The service added that the recent high temperatures across the province have left fuels highly susceptible to igniting.
According to the BCWS, thunderstorms are in the forecast for parts of the southern Interior, with the southeast region being a hotspot for lightning.
Up north, thick smoke is expected to push down into Prince George by Tuesday morning.
There are currently 138 wildfires burning across the province.
