Lightning is determined to be the cause for the four fires burning near Wells Gray Park, three are reportedly still out of control, and one is being held.
The Murtle Lake Fire, discovered on May 21, has burned for over a month and is now under control. The fire is currently burning at 1,270 hectares and has responded to suppression efforts.
The Ovris Creek, discovered by wildfire crews on July 12, is being monitored and currently burning at 0.009 hectares and is listed as out of control.
The two fires discovered on July 9, one near Pillpill Mountain Range, is currently burning 338 hectares. The second fire is burning not far from Kostel Cone Lake, is currently burning at 2,172 hectares, and according to B.C. Wildfire Service is not responding to suppression efforts. The initial cause is still unknown but is predicted to be created by lightning.
There are currently no evacuation orders or alerts in the area, and B.C. Wildfire Service is monitoring each situation. Appropriate precautions are being taken, and information will be released if the situation changes.
Environment Canada has issued air quality warnings for several parts of the province as the smoke from fires burning across the region has made its way to sections of the North Thompson region, and smoke can still be seen into the Lower Mainland from fires in the area.
According to B.C. Wildfire Service, long hot days that are usually anticipated for August have been the cause for many fires being sparked throughout the province. Mixed with a bout of lightning storms throughout the region, it has led to the more intense fire season that the province has seen in almost a decade.
Among the worsening drought conditions, there are currently 392 active fires burning in B.C., 38 of which have begun in the last 24 hours, according to B.C. Wildfire Service, 325 of the fires have been predicted to be caused by lightning showers sweeping over the province to the continuing dry and hot conditions.
Environment Canada has also issued an air quality warning for most of the province’s Cariboo and North Thompson regions. They have asked residents to avoid any necessary outdoor activity as it risks their health and safety. To keep up to date on where the fire smoke is in your area click here.
For more information about evacuation orders and alerts and to view an interactive map, visit the Kamloops Fire Centre website or click here for more details.
READ MORE: Lightning sparks 4 new fires in Wells Gray Provincial Park
