Lightning storm hits parts of B.C. raising more wildfire concerns
Posted August 29, 2023 7:55 am.
Last Updated August 29, 2023 7:57 am.
A series of storms brought thunder and lightning to parts of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley early Tuesday, lighting up the sky and jolting some people awake.
Much of the Lower Mainland was hit starting at around 2 a.m. While it created a spectacle in the sky around parts of the South Coast, the lightning poses a major risk when it comes to the ongoing wildfire season.
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CityNews Meteorologist Michael Kuss notes while there was some rain that accompanied these electrical storms, it wasn’t as much as is needed to address concerns.
“Isolated showers with more lightning and thunder rumbling across the South Coast through the morning hours with those lightning strikes, which have been numerous over the last 24 hours,” he explained.
“Over the past 24 hours and especially through the overnight, it’s been incredibly unsettled. Frequent lightning, lots of rumbles of thunder waking people up early this morning and that could continue through the morning hours.”
He says the lightning brings with it the risk of new fires starting up not just in the South Coast region, but also in places around Vancouver Island and the central coast.
Lightning activity is expected to continue through the evening and may also spread to mainland sections of the Coastal Fire Centre. Please report any smoke or fires to 1 800 663-5555 or *5555 or through the free BC Wildfire Service app.
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 29, 2023
The BC Wildfire Service sounded the alarm on social media Monday, saying Vancouver Island was already “experiencing a severe thunderstorm event with scattered lightning activity.”
“When lightning strikes, it can release enough heat to ignite a tree or other fuels,” the service explained.
It urged people to report any new fire starts or smoke to 1-800-663-5555 or *5555.
Much of the province remains under severe drought conditions, with most parts of B.C. either at a level 4 or 5.
