More B.C. wildfire activity expected for August, expert says

British Columbians are being warned to remain on alert as threats from wildfires persist throughout August, according to the provincial government.

Above average seasonal temperatures are forecasted for B.C., which will sustain its current level wildfire activity, officials said in a Thursday press briefing.

6:24 BC Wildfire Service provides 2022 seasonal outlook

“As the risk of wildfires has increased significantly in the last several weeks, I urge all British Columbians to plan, prepare and stay informed of the wildfire situation in the area you are in,” said Forests Minister Katrine Conroy.

There were 91 active wildfires burning throughout the province with six being “wildfires of note,” as of 10 a.m. on Wednesday. In the past seven days, there have been 154 new wildfires with 112 of them caused by lightning.

“As the summer progresses and the wildfire danger continues to increase, people in B.C. should stay informed of wildfire activities around their community and anywhere they plan to travel,” said Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth.

BC Wildfire’s Neal McLoughlin gave the wildfire service’s outlook for the coming month of August, on Thursday.

A below normal level of rain in July is adding to dry conditions for August, which dried fuel ignitions across the province, he said. High winds in late July have also fanned wildfires, adding to fire activity.

Rain this week is adding moisture to northern B.C., however, which may shift the danger areas further south as August goes on, the wildfire expert added. McLoughlin warned, however, that a couple days of hot, dry weather could wipe that moisture out and could bring dangers to high or extreme values.

“Above average temperatures into August and early September are expected,” McLoughlin said.

“We did expect increased fire activity at the end of July, which we saw with more than 100 new wildfires. We do expect a similar number of new fires (to be ignited) in early August, as well.”

4:56 Keremeos Creek wildfire continues to challenge crews but progress being made

Rain levels for August are projected to be around the average amounts for the province. Overall, the total wildfire season has been less active than previous years, especially 2021, the expert said.

To date, around 20 per cent of the province’s 10-year average of total area burned for this time of year has gone up in flames.

Residents who may be close to wildfires are also being warned to monitor air quality levels and advisories that may affect them.

“Check local air-quality reports, reduce the amount of time spent outdoors, stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities,” Ministry of Forests officials wrote in its Thursday release.

“When indoors, keep the air clean with windows and doors closed.”

Below are the six wildfires of note:

Nohomin Creek

• Location: 1.7 km northwest of Lytton, on the west side of the Fraser River
• Discovered: Thursday, July 14
• Size: 3,700 hectares
• Status: Active, interface fire
• Evacuation alerts, orders: Alert in effect
• Resources: 65 firefighters, 10 helicopters
• Cause: Under investigation, though suspected to be human-caused

Keremeos Creek

• Location: 21 km southwest of Penticton
• Discovered: Friday, July 29
• Size: 2,790 hectares
• Status: Active, interface fire
• Evacuation alerts, orders: Both are in effect
• Resources: 137 firefighters, 115 structural protection personnel, 10 helicopters, 4 pieces of heavy equipment
• Cause: Under investigation

Maria Creek

• Location: 28 km northeast of Lillooet
• Discovered: Sunday, July 31
• Size: 1,004 hectares
• Status: Active
• Evacuation alerts, orders: None.
• Resources: N/A
• Cause: Lightning

Watching Creek

• Location: 16 km northwest of Kamloops
• Discovered: Friday, July 29
• Size: 195 hectares
• Status: Active
• Evacuation alerts, orders: Alert in effect.
• Resources: 20 firefighters, six helicopters, 10 pieces of heavy equipment
• Cause: Suspected to be lightning-caused

Briggs Creek

• Location: 11.5 km west of Kaslo
• Discovered: Monday, Aug. 1
• Size: 1,500 hectares
• Status: Active
• Evacuation alerts, orders: Alert in effect.
• Resources: Seven firefighters, one helicopter
• Cause: Lightning

Connell Ridge

• Location: 15 km south of Cranbrook
• Discovered: Monday, Aug. 1
• Size: 500 hectares
• Status: Active
• Evacuation alerts, orders: Alert in effect.
• Resources: 48 firefighters, three helicopters

Cause: Lightning

4:56 Keremeos Creek wildfire continues to challenge crews but progress being made

-With files from Global Okanagan’s Doyle Potenteau.