By Canadian Press

Wildfires increase as lightning hits hot, dry areas of southern B.C.

Aug 29, 2025 | 12:26 PM

The number of wildfires continues to tick up in British Columbia as a hot, sunny week ends with thunderstorms and lightning in southern areas of the province.

The latest figures from the BC Wildfire Service show 84 active blazes, up from 68 on Wednesday, with about two dozen classified as burning out of control.

The service’s updated provincial situation report says parts of the Interior and the coastal fire centre saw some dry thunderstorm activity Friday morning.

It says further lightning strikes are expected in the southern half of B.C., including Vancouver Island, throughout the day.

The service says many areas where lightning is striking are hot and dry, with forest fuels highly susceptible to ignition.

Overnight detours on Highway 1

Highway 1 detours through Langley for the next 3 weeks will begin this Tuesday: B.C. govt.

27m ago

Wind warning

Wind warning in effect for the Coquihalla between Hope and Merritt, Crowsnest east of Hope

1h ago

Road project in Chilliwack

Multi-use pathway project on Knight Road in Chilliwack to wrap up next month

2h ago

Environment Canada has meanwhile issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Fraser Canyon, Nicola and South Thompson areas, including Lytton and Kamloops.

The bulletin spans an area that has been subject to an ongoing heat warning.

The weather office says temperatures were expected to dip slightly, but the Fraser Canyon and South Thompson areas would see daytime highs in the mid-30s.

The wildfire service’s website shows 16 new fire starts over the last 24 hours, with 13 blazes declared out.

The latest fires include clusters in remote areas northwest of Whistler and Pemberton, as well as the northwest Cariboo region.

The wildfire service adds that smoke and haze are visible across much of southern B.C. and may increase over the weekend.

Wildfires increase as lightning hits hot, dry areas of southern B.C.

More Local News