Lightning strikes down but more heat primes wildfires in B.C.: wildfire service

Sep 2, 2025 | 12:51 PM

VANCOUVER — The BC Wildfire Service says there were just 74 lightning strikes on Labour Day compared with thousands that peppered the province at the end of August.

The number of wildfires has jumped in the last week from 70 to almost 170, with most of the out-of-control blazes burning in the southern Interior.

Several small wildfires were sparked by lightning on Vancouver Island over the long weekend, including one a few kilometres west of Nanaimo, and four west of Campbell River as of Monday, Sept. 1.

However, those fires were less than a hectare in size and were all labelled as ‘being held’ or ‘under control’ by Tuesday.

Environment Canada has posted heat warnings for several locations, saying temperatures of up to 35 C are expected in the Fraser Canyon, the Boundary region, the North and South Thompson and the North Coast.

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However, the wildfire service says winds will be generally light, which will help to minimize the spread of the current fires burning.

Smoke is expected to increase, with the thickest density over Prince George and Williams Lake, and the service says there will also be a haze over much of southern B.C.

Almost 600 firefighting personnel remain at work this week and the wildfire service says as fuels remain dry, people are urged to use caution during any activity that could start a wildfire.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 2, 2025.

The Canadian Press

With files from Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW

by Canadian Press

Lightning strikes down but more heat primes wildfires in B.C.: wildfire service

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