Lightning strikes spark over a hundred new wildfires in B.C.
Posted August 8, 2023 9:45 pm.
Last Updated August 8, 2023 10:33 pm.
The BC Wildfire Service says lightning strikes continue to ignite wildfires by the masses — with over 100 new fires sparking that way since Friday.
Over weekend the Southeast Fire Centre saw an increase in lightning-caused wildfires. Ground crews and aviation resources are responding, though many are high elevation targets in the West Kootenays. None of these wildfires are threatening structures or infrastructure.#BCWildfire pic.twitter.com/PvMXG0hlIT
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 8, 2023
In a Twitter post from Tuesday night, the wildfire service says 18,335 lightning strikes had been detected since August 4, with 116 already confirmed to have caused wildfires.
Due to a “strong initial attack,” fire crews have managed to get 91 per cent of these new wildfires down to less than two hectares in size.
“Additional fires may be detected in the coming days from lightning activity this past weekend, especially in the Southern Interior and Kootenays where hot and dry conditions have largely persisted,” the BC Wildfire Service said in a tweet.
Related articles:
-
B.C. music festival organizer recounts wildfire evacuation near Princeton
-
Wildfire prompts B.C. regional district to place 85 properties on evacuation alert
-
Several prominent wildfires burning in B.C.
Lightning strikes have been by far the biggest contributing cause to B.C.’s record-breaking wildfire season.
Data from the BC Wildfire Service shows that lightning strikes have started 1,253 of the province’s 1,742 recorded fires this season.
In terms of active fires, lightning strikes have ignited a staggering 350 of the 410 fires currently burning.
