Strong winds fan B.C. wildfire flames as more temperature records fall

British Columbia was hit with its first major windstorm overnight, during what’s been an unseasonably warm October, fanning the flames of wildfires that continue to burn in the province.

A special weather statement was issued for Metro Vancouver on Monday with wind gusts of up to 60 kilometres per hour blowing throughout the late afternoon into the evening.

Gusts were also felt further inland, with BC Hydro saying the winds impacted the northern and central Interior region. People in places like Prince George and Smithers were in the dark overnight.

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The blustery conditions also affected some wildfires burning in the province. BC Wildfire Service Information Officer Julia Caranci says the Heather Lake fire burning in E.C. Manning Provincial Park is now “out of control” after jumping the Similkameen River.

“Crews are securing that breach and working on mop up today. So know effect to Highway 3 at this time or any critical infrastructure or human life is at risk at this time,” she told CityNews Tuesday morning.

The #BCWildfire Service is continues to respond to the Heather Lake wildfire (V11746) located in EC Manning Provincial Park. As a result of the passage of a cold front bringing strong winds, this fire has crossed over the Similkameen River. #Hope #Princeton

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) October 11, 2022

The Heather Lake wildfire was first discovered in August and had been classified as “being held” until the wind on Monday.

The lack of rain in September and October, and continuing warm temperatures, have prompted the BC Wildfire Service to extend the wildfire season. As of Tuesday, there are 199 wildfires burning in the province, including 56 new ones over the past week.

“It is a very different fire season than last year,” Caranci said. “As long as it continues to be dry, we will see fire activity continue on the landscape.”

Elsewhere, an out-of-control wildfire continues to burn near Duncan, with Caranci saying crews are continuing to work at the 4.1-hectare Cowichan Creek wildfire and have been doing so since it was first sparked on the weekend.

B.C. breaks more temperature records

While the warm conditions may have made Thanksgiving celebrations more enjoyable for some, it also saw more temperature records topple around B.C.

More than a dozen communities around the province set new high-temperature records on Sunday.

Vernon saw a high of 22.2 C, breaking a century-old record. Victoria also saw a new record high, with the provincial capital reaching 21.5 C on Sunday.

Compounding the warmth is the lack of precipitation, with much of B.C.’s south coast under a Level 5 drought rating. It’s also prompted Metro Vancouver to extend Stage One watering bans that were supposed to be lifted on Oct. 15.

According to Environment Canada, Metro Vancouver’s forecast is calling for mostly sunny conditions over the next week with temperatures in the high teens, with no precipitation expected.

– With files from Kareem Gouda and the Canadian Press