Wildfire numbers soar past 100, dozens out of control, as lightning hits B.C.’s south

An updated provincial situation report says parts of the Interior and the coastal fire centre saw some dry thunderstorm activity Friday (Aug. 29) morning. It says further lightning strikes are expected in the southern half of B.C., including on Vancouver Island, throughout the day.

“Many areas where these lightning strikes are landing are susceptible to fire starts as conditions remain hot and dry across the province. Winds are light but may be gusty with the unstable and convective conditions,” the report said.

“Smoke and haze are expected to be visible in the southern regions and may increase throughout the weekend.”

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Fraser Canyon, Nicola and South Thompson areas. These watches span an area that has been subject to an ongoing heat warning.

“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and heavy rain,” the watch said. “There is a heightened risk of debris flows over areas impacted by burn scars.”

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.

A heat warning remained in effect for inland sections of the North Coast, including Kitimat and Terrace, ahead of a gradual cooling trend expected over the weekend.

Smoke and haze were visible across much of southern B.C. on Friday and may increase over the weekend, the wildfire service noted. The smoke prompted Environment Canada to issue a special air quality statement for the Chilcotin region Friday, with the weather office encouraging people to limit time outdoors until conditions improve.

Campfire bans officially took effect in the Kamloops and Cariboo Fire Centre at noon Thursday (Aug. 28), while a has been in place across most of the Coastal fire centre since June.

On Vancouver Island, meanwhile, the Transportation Ministry said it was working with a forestry company to reopen Bamfield Main Road after wildfire rendered parts of the route unsafe.

It said a 1.5-kilometre stretch of the road remains closed due to unstable slopes and hazards including falling rocks, dangerous trees, temporary BC Hydro cables running alongside the route and the risk of debris flows in the event of rain.

“Due to the complex nature of the recovery … the ministry has assumed the lead role for developing a reopening strategy for this section,” the statement said.

In the meantime, it said drivers must continue to take a detour through Youbou.

With the once-raging Mount Underwood blaze now classified as being held at its current perimeter, the ministry said crews would begin assessing the area, removing dangerous trees and repairing power poles.

A timeline for reopening will be shared in a few weeks, it said.

You can find the latest updates from the BC Wildfire Service here.

– With files from CFJC Today

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 29, 2025.

Brenna Owen, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Wildfire numbers soar past 100, dozens out of control, as lightning hits B.C.’s south

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