B.C. faces high wildfire risk because of lightning

British Columbia firefighters are on high alert as the threat of storms and lightning is coupling with dry conditions in the province to create a significant risk for wildfire.

Severe storm activity occurred on Aug. 20 and Aug. 21 and is expected to re-form later in the week. The fire danger rating for most of B.C. is high or extreme and Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Peace River, Prince George, Williston, Cariboo, McGregor and Yellowhead regions of eastern B.C.

“With the forecast of lightning, crews are getting prepared for an increase in fire starts,” Environment Canada information officer Erin Catherall told the Canadian Press. Between Sunday and Monday, there were 52 new fires caused by lightning in the province, though most covered an area of less than one hectare. 

The 2012 forest fire season has so far been below average when it comes to the number of fires, and almost none have posed a serious threat to people or their homes.  As of Aug. 20, the province reported almost 1,100 fires, below the 10-year average of roughly 1,600 by this time, Catherall said.