BC Wildfire Service urging caution heading into weekend after multiple spot fires sparked by lightning activity

The BC Wildfire Service says fortunately, those strikes were accompanied by heavy rainfall and as of Friday morning, new wildfire activity was limited to several spot fires.

“Most of those fires have been assessed by our crews and we’re keeping an eye on on all of those and seeing if there is any further growth, or action that is needing to be taken.”

The turbulent weather isn’t over yet, and Environment Canada meteorologist Bobby Sekhon cautions that another storm system is expected to bring another round of lightning, wind and rainfall.

“Anybody travelling in the Interior just make sure you check the weather ahead of time, if there’s a severe thunderstorm watch or whatever is in the forecast. When thunder roars, go indoors. We know lightning can be dangerous.”

Latest forecast modelling anticipates sunny, dry conditions throughout the Interior this weekend.

“As we get into Sunday and into the next work week we’re going to see that ridge of high pressure building in. That means we’re going to get back to some hot weather, by mid-week we can expect at least mid-30s.”

And if new lightning strikes are followed by dry, hot weather, Bibeau says that does increase the potential for new sparks to turn into holdover fires.

“In terms of going into the weekend, we are wanting to remind people especially with that potential for the holdover fires that people are being vigilant, being very aware of themselves and their surroundings.”

Fires outside of city limits can be reported by calling in to the *5555 line, or reported using the BC Wildfire Service app on your cell phone.

by Dylana Kneeshaw

BC Wildfire Service urging caution heading into weekend after multiple spot fires sparked by lightning activity

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