British Columbia is witnessing some improvement in its wildfire situation, with fewer evacuation orders and cooler weather offering relief. As of Tuesday, only 55 properties remain under evacuation orders, a significant drop from the peak of over 5,000 in recent weeks.
Emergency Preparedness Minister Bowinn Ma cautioned that while the decrease in evacuation orders is promising, the wildfire season is not yet over. Unstable weather conditions could quickly alter the situation. Over the past week, BC has recorded 7,500 lightning strikes that ignited 256 fires, although crews have contained 80% of these new starts.
BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) initial attack crews, consisting of four-person teams, are often the first to respond to new fires, working aggressively to control them before they threaten communities. These crews can operate independently for over 24 hours, with support from air and heavy-equipment resources as needed. Despite fewer fires compared to last year, the persistent drought conditions continue to pose risks.
So far, BC has spent $387 million on wildfire management this year, a 17% decrease from the same period in 2023, which was the most destructive wildfire season on record. The spending this year is still subject to statutory authority, ensuring that funds will be available as needed to protect communities.
While the number of active fires—over 400 as of Tuesday—remains similar to last year, the size of the blazes is generally smaller. Last year’s mid-August saw some of the most destructive fires, including the massive Donnie Creek blaze, which burned 5,000 square kilometers. This year, conditions are less volatile, with more rain and fewer large fires reported.
Officials stress the importance of remaining vigilant, as fires can start and spread rapidly under current conditions. With 1,428 wildfires recorded so far this year, compared to nearly 1,700 at this time last year, the situation is somewhat better but still above the 10-year average of approximately 1,100 fires.
