Wildfires erupt in B.C. with more heat and thunderstorms on the way

The number of wildfires in British Columbia has flared as more lightning storms bring the potential for further fire starts.

More than 300 wildfires are burning in the province, and more than half of those are classified as out of control.

The fast-moving Shetland Creek fire burning near Spences Bridge is of the most concern, with evacuation orders and alerts popping up in Ashcroft, Cache Creek, Spences Bridge, the Ashcroft First Nation and several Cook’s Ferry Indian Band reserves.

Heat warnings and thunderstorm watches cover a large section of south and eastern B.C., bringing strong winds, heavy rain, hail and also the lightning that has set off so many of the current fires burning.

The BC Wildfire Service says smoke conditions are also expected to increase, while fires from Alberta are expected to bring smoke into the northeastern corner of B.C.

The service says weeks of hot, record-breaking temperatures and dry conditions continue to contribute to an increase in fire behaviour and growth.

‘Eerie looking’ atmosphere over Ashcroft: resident

More than 1,500 residents of Ashcroft have been put on ‘alert’ as parts of the village have already been ordered to evacuate.

One resident, Brian Beharrell, tells CityNews he’s apprehensive about moving before the fire gets closer.

“There’s no wind, so that’s a good sign. We’re probably still 15 kilometers from the fire. And it’s on the other side of the highway. So, I’m not too concerned yet,” said Beharrell.

Friday’s weather continued to be hot, dry and windy. Beharrell says the air was “eerie looking” while filled with smoke and ash but says conditions aren’t as bad Saturday.

He says Ashcroft is lucky, geographically.

“We’re in a desert here. So we don’t have we don’t have trees to burn, and we got grass and a bit of sagebrush. But that’s kind of a bit of assurance… and we got a nice big river beside us,” said Beharrell.

He says, if ordered to leave, he would take his RV to Kamloops.