Things on the wildfire front are heating up in B.C.
Overall, there are just under 100 active wildfires across the province, including two massive blazes on Vancouver Island that are keeping crews busy.
The Mount Underwood fire is burning just south of Port Alberni. It was discovered on Aug. 11 and, within hours, it exploded in size to at least 630 hectares. It’s considered ‘out of control,’ which means it’s expected to push past its current perimeter.
The flames forced the evacuation of the China Creek Campground and Marina, 15 kilometres southwest of Port Alberni. It’s not clear what sparked the flames at this time.
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Meanwhile, the Wesley Ridge wildfire continues to burn between Nanaimo and Port Alberni. That one, sparked by people, is ‘being held’ at just under 600 hectares.
An evacuation order is in place.
The BC Wildfire Service says the Welsey Ridge fire could produce smoke for weeks, possibly months. Crews fighting the fire also say the area has steep terrain, and a lack of water due to drought conditions continues to challenge their efforts. This blaze was first discovered on July 31. It grew minimally over the weekend, and some are concerned that rising temperatures will fan the flames.
Another wildfire, discovered near Osoyoos, temporarily closed Highway 3 on Monday. It’s also being held and was last listed as 7.5 hectares in size.
The BC Wildfire Service says this year’s provincial budget to handle the season is $238 million, but says the province can spend more than that to protect people and properties.
There’s no doubt the increased temperatures around the province are a key component in wildfires.
1130 NewsRadio Meteorologist Michael Kuss says the hottest spots in all of western Canada are in B.C.
“Right here around the Lower Mainland, up to Pemberton and on Vancouver Island. Today, it’s not quite as warm, but only off by a degree or two. It should still be up to 32 or 33 degrees, feeling as warm as 36 degrees across the Lower Mainland and at least that warm on the island,” said Kuss.
He adds British Columbians will get a reprieve from the heat on Wednesday when temperatures cool off to seasonal norms and there is some rain on the way, but it’s unlikely it will bring enough precipitation to put out any big fires around the province.
The temperatures aren’t the only concern — it’s also very humid, making conditions that much more difficult for frontline crews.
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“It’s all sun once again. It’s a high UV Index day.”
On Monday, nine weather records were broken, mostly along the South Coast. Pemberton was the provincial hot spot at 37.4 degrees, And Miramichi, N.B., was the national hotspot at 37.6 degrees.
Record highs set for Aug. 11 in B.C. include:
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