VICTORIA — Rising temperatures, increasing wind speeds and dry lightning are forecast for southern British Columbia over the weekend in areas where major wildfires continue to burn in the Columbia, Kootenay and Thompson-Okanagan regions.
The sa国际传媒 Wildfire Service says weather forecasts call for rising temperatures, dry air and high winds, with likelihood of an intense thunder and lightning storm across much of sa国际传媒's southeast.
Fires of note in sa国际传媒's southern regions include the Dogtooth wildfire south of Golden, which has destroyed 15 structures; the Dunn Creek wildfire located about 100 kilometres north of Kamloops; and the Sitkum Creek wildfire northeast of Vernon.
The town of Golden website says the dry weather can increase wildfire behaviour, adding that increased smoke and fire activity will be visible to residents.
Environment sa国际传媒 has issued almost two dozen heat warnings for communities across sa国际传媒, warning people to stay indoors if they hear thunder.
The wildfire service says there have been 1,082 wildfires so far this year in sa国际传媒, burning almost 9,000 square kilometres.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 3, 2024.
The Canadian Press
