Where there's smoke...

Potential for fire activity is expected to increase

Click the image above for the most up-to-date BC Wildfire Service Activity Map.

Update, 7 p.m.:

BCWildfire has downgraded the Belcarra fire to 'being held' earlier this afternoon. There are now eight fires rated as 'out of control' in the Coastal Fire District.

Original story:

With some of the hottest days of summer still ahead, the wildfire situation remains grave throughout much of the province. According to BC Wildfire 112 wildfires are now burning across the province, with 51 of them rated as out of control.

"As hot and dry conditions return for the majority of British Columbia, the potential for fire activity is expected to increase," BC Wildfire officials said in a statement.

Environment Canada has issued a Yellow air-quality advisory for the Metro Vancouver area, including the Sea to Sky, with smoke expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility through Thursday.

A damper-than-usual July has meant that coastal areas have been less affected by fire this year than the interior of the province. Currently there are nine wildfires burning out of control in the Coastal Fire Centre, with a further 9 either being held or under control.

The Belcarra Park fire, identified just yesterday, and thought to be human-caused, is the closest to Metro Vancouver at the moment. Overnight an evacuation alert was released for təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park by the Village of Anmore. An evacuation alert is issued as a warning about a potential threat to life or property. It's intended to give notice to be ready for a possible evacuation. More information about the təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park evacuation alerts can be found HERE.

The other eight out-of-control fires have all been burning since July, with the Brunswick Creek fire first discovered back on July 2.

The bulk of the wildfire activity remains in the Interior, while the northern part of the province currently has fewer fires burning than last year. Prince George Fire Centre is currently reporting 11 fires, with two out of control, and the Northwest Fire Centre currently has just two fires burning, both under control.

Up-to-date BC Wildfire Service information can be found HERE.

The Watershed welcomes your thoughts.

Leave your comments below,

or email us at editor@lionsbaywatershed.ca 

Like what you're reading?

For as little as $5/month, you can support local independent journalism

by subscribing to The Watershed HERE.