The BC Wildfire Service says a significant change in weather conditions could intensify wildfire activity in British Columbia, while Environment Canada has issued a warning of severe thunderstorms in several areas of the province after weeks of hot, dry conditions.
The service says there were thousands of lightning strikes over the weekend in the northern part of the province, with more lightning to come in several areas, with severe storms likely to bring gusts, nickel-sized hail and heavy downpours.
The service says hot, dry conditions persist in the southern part of the province, with more than 350 fires burning in B.C., including four classified as “wildfire watch.”
Environment Canada says heat warnings will remain in effect for a number of communities where daytime temperatures have hovered above 30 degrees, although temperatures are expected to cool off in the coming days.
The provincial Department of Transportation is also encouraging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Interior due to the increase in wildfires.
The department says people who must drive there should do so with enough gas, food, water and emergency supplies and be prepared for road closures and delays due to fires near highways.