FORT ST. JOHN -- As this week's hot and dry weather carries on, the BC Wildfire Service is on the lookout for a surge in wildfire activity.
The current heatwave was expected to last until Friday, but new forecasting suggests it will carry into Sunday.
This has led to increased concern surrounding wildfire activity in the province, with the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) suggesting thunderstorms later in the week could lead to more fires started by lightning strikes.
“With a heat wave ongoing for over two weeks, forest fuels are dry and very receptive to ignition,” said the BCWS.
In an update to the Provincial Situation Report today, the BCWS says northeastern B.C. can expect to see hazy skies from wildfire smoke.
They're also concerned about elevated winds speeds that are expected Friday and Sunday and their potential to fan flames.
Crews are currently battling more than 157 active wildfires across the province, with 18 new fire starts within the last 24 hours.
A heat warning remains in effect across the Peace Region as a ridge of high pressure persists.
Environment Canada has also expanded heat warnings to cover more than two dozen regions and communities, from Whistler to Kelowna to the Kootenays in the southeast, Terrace in the northwest and Fort Nelson in the northeast.
The elevated temperatures posing a moderate risk to the public, according to Environment Canada.
“Check on family, friends and neighbours, who are at higher risk, particularly if they live alone, to make sure they have a cool space,” warned Environment and Climate Change Canada.
*With files from the Canadian Press
