Heading into a warm, dry and windy Canada Day long weekend, the BC Wildfire Service asks the public to exercise caution as the risk for new wildfires increases.

Thunderstorms and lightning occurred throughout the week in many areas across the province, increasing the possibility of undetected lightning-caused wildfires. Windy, dry conditions could cause some of these to flare up. Since April 1, 2023, 566 wildfires have burned over 960,000 hectares of land. One hundred of those fires are still active.

Campfire prohibitions and new area restrictions have been implemented this week. Please be aware of any bans and restrictions in your area by visiting the BC Wildfire Service website and checking with local authorities.

Nationally, there are 501 active wildfires with a total of 3,038 this year having burned 8.1 million hectares of land. The majority of wildfires have been in Quebec and B.C. International crews are supporting efforts across Canada, and B.C. is coordinating additional out-of-province resources through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC).

Weather

Thunderstorms are expected today and tomorrow, bringing potential for hail, localized downpours and strong, gusty winds along the Rockies, extending as far north as Fort Nelson. Smoky, cloudy conditions up north may help decrease current fire activity.

Over the weekend, very windy conditions are expected for the Central and Southern Interior, which may increase existing fire activity. A chance of showers along the mid-coast and northeast may reach the Donnie Creek wildfire come Sunday. However, conditions are expected to remain warm, dry and windy for most of the province.

Wildfires of Note

• Donnie Creek (G80280)
• West Kiskatinaw River (G70645)

Fire Centre	Campfires	Category 2 Open Burning	Category 3 Open Burning	Forest Use  and Area Restrictions
Cariboo Fire Centre				N/A
Coastal Fire Centre				N/A
Kamloops Fire Centre				N/A
Northwest Fire Centre				N/A
Prince George Fire Centre
Southeast Fire Centre				N/A

The next Provincial Wildfire Status Update will be provided on July 4, 2023