Cold front could escalate B.C. wildfires ahead of August long weekend

Southern British Columbia faces a challenging long weekend as a cold front is predicted to sweep through the region, bringing strong winds and thunderstorms. While the front may offer little to no rain, the accompanying winds are expected to fan out-of-control wildfires that are already threatening several communities.

The BC Wildfire Service warns that these conditions will create difficult firefighting circumstances. The tinder-dry environment also increases the likelihood of new lightning-caused wildfires igniting. This forecast adds urgency to the ongoing battle against existing blazes.

Significant evacuation orders are currently in effect. The Pear Lake fire, which has expanded to over 900 square kilometers, has prompted evacuation orders for more than 1,800 properties across an area spanning 70 kilometers long and 65 kilometers wide. Evacuation alerts have been issued even further out.

In addition to the Pear Lake fire, the T’it’q’et First Nation near Lillooet issued an evacuation order overnight for several reserves due to the Riley Creek Wildfire. As of this morning, nearly 110 active wildfires are burning across the province, with 48 of them classified as out of control.