Wildfire activity in B.C. continues to build as hot, dry conditions persist causing forest fuels to be highly susceptible to ignition. More than 80 new wildfires have sparked over the past week, and 11 have been detected in the last 24 hours.
As of 12 p.m. (PDT) today, Category 1 open fires (campfires) are prohibited in many areas of the province. Visit bcwildfire.ca for details.
The Prince George Fire Centre experienced significant lightning over the weekend, followed by a period of heavy winds. These conditions have resulted in extreme fire behaviour across the northeast. Evacuation orders have been recently implemented in response to the West Kiskatinaw River (G70645) wildfire, located within the Dawson Creek Fire Zone. Please refer to EmergencyInfoBC for the most up-to-date evacuation information.
The Cameron Bluffs (V70600) wildfire, located near Cameron Lake on Vancouver Island, continues to impact Highway 4. Please visit DriveBC for updates on road and highway closures.
Weather
Thursday, June 8, is forecast to be the hottest day of the current heatwave. Into the evening, lightning is expected to touch down in the southeast, accompanied by only trace amounts of precipitation.
On Friday, subtropical moisture will begin to drift across the southern third of the province, increasing the chance of cooler temperatures and showers as well as thunderstorms and gusting winds.
Heavy smoke continues to impact the northeast, bringing high levels of fine particulate matter to the Peace Region. Some smoke clearing and improved visibility is expected over the weekend as a result of shifting winds and the subtropical airmass.