logo
First wildfire of season sparks on B.C.'s South Coast as ‘heat event' continues

First wildfire of season sparks on B.C.'s South Coast as ‘heat event' continues

CTV News4 days ago

Crews were called to the first wildfire of the season on B.C.'s South Coast Sunday, as the region experiences unseasonably hot and dry weather.
The out-of-control blaze sparked west of Port Alberni on Vancouver Island and was estimated at 10 hectares as of 2 p.m., according to the B.C. wildfire service.
The cause has yet to be determined.
B.C. officials warned of the potential for increased fire danger ahead of the weekend, when temperatures began to climb to above seasonal in the southern part of the province.
Special weather statements remain in effect for swathes of B.C. due to what forecasters are calling an 'early season heat event,' according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
'Early season heat can be significant due to the lack of acclimatization to elevated temperatures,' the agency said, before adding tips on how to stay cool and warning about the risks of high temperatures.
'Watch for the effects of heat illness: heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and the worsening of some health conditions. Fans alone cannot effectively lower core body temperature, especially for older adults.'
Meanwhile, the northern part of the province is seeing aggressive wildfire behaviour, with gusty winds fanning the flames. Ten evacuation orders and five evacuation alerts are in effect as a result, according to the B.C. wildfire service's dashboard.
Smoke is impacting air quality in Fort Nelson and the Peace River region, prompting an advisory from Environment Canada.
'As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events,' the agency said.
'People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Hurricanes and South African snow: The past week in wild weather
Hurricanes and South African snow: The past week in wild weather

CTV News

time20 minutes ago

  • CTV News

Hurricanes and South African snow: The past week in wild weather

This week's wild weather includes snow in South Africa and sweltering heat in India. The eastern Pacific had it's first hurricane of the season this past week. Hurricane Barbara formed southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico early in the week. The storm quickly weakened a long ways off the coast, but it did create some stormy weather and high waves in the Acapulco area. Forecasters are predicting between seven and 15 hurricanes in the eastern Pacific during this year's hurricane season. Heavy snow hit the Eastern Cape in South Africa with some areas receiving about 30 centimetres of snow and temperatures near 10 C colder than average. The storm system also produced deadly flooding from heavy rain and damaging wind. At least a dozen people are reported dead. A handful were swept away in the floodwaters and several people travelling in a minibus died when it flipped because of icy roads. Hundreds of thousands of people were without power following the storms. Sweltering heat in India as a heatwave prompted warnings in many areas. Temperatures hit the high 40s C, just a few degrees off all-time record heat for the country. One city in the northwest hit 47.3 C on Monday. The all-time record high for India is 51 C. Power grids were struggling to handle the extra demand early this week. The country most populous state, Uttar Pradesh set a record for electricity demand.

Alice Lake Provincial Park evacuated as Squamish wildfire doubles in size
Alice Lake Provincial Park evacuated as Squamish wildfire doubles in size

CTV News

timean hour ago

  • CTV News

Alice Lake Provincial Park evacuated as Squamish wildfire doubles in size

Crews battle the Dryden Creek wildfire, which prompted a local state of emergency in Squamish, B.C., on June 10, 2025. (Credit: Instagram/@JillianABrownPhotography) A wildfire tearing through the forests of Squamish, B.C., has grown to cover more than 50 hectares, resulting in the evacuation of the nearby Alice Lake Provincial Park. In an update just before 10 p.m. on Wednesday, the Squamish District said the increased wind activity over the afternoon had caused growth along the north flank of the blaze, and it was now estimated to measure 54 hectares in size. Following recommendations from the BC Wildfire Service and Squamish Fire Rescue, BC Parks placed the popular hiking and camping spot under evacuation order Wednesday afternoon. 'In the interest of public safety, all visitors should evacuate the park immediately and remain out of the area until further notice,' BC Parks said in an advisory published on its website. According to the district, the Dryden Creek fire had not yet reached the park but its smoke and predicted movement was enough to warrant its closure. 'While the fire is not currently threatening park facilities, ongoing fire growth towards access routes and reduced visibility prompted the recommendation,' it said. The five helicopters tasked with tackling the blaze remained on site throughout Wednesday, filling buckets with water from Alice Lake in a bid to quell the flames. Additional support was provided by air tankers during the afternoon, the district said. Speaking to media on Wednesday afternoon, Marc Simpson, Pemberton wildfire officer for the BC Wildfire Service, said tackling the north flank of the fire would be crews' next challenge and it could prove difficult due to the area's steep, inaccessible cliffs. 'It will be a multi-week process for some of these areas where our crews cannot access,' he said. The district advised motorists travelling through the area to expect reduced visibility on Highway 99 at the north end of the municipality. Residents have been asked to conserve water to support the fire suppression efforts, while the public have been advised to stay clear of the area, especially the hiking trails close to the wildfire. A local state of emergency that was declared on Tuesday remains in place, as does a campfire ban, and an evacuation alert placed for around 200 homes in the Brackendale, Tantalus Road, and Skyridge areas east of Highway 99. The fire, believed to be human-caused, broke out Monday afternoon on the grassy hillside between Dowas Drive and Depot Road. Within just a few hours it had spread to cover five hectares of land, and had grown to 20.2 hectares in size by Wednesday morning.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store