Number of wildfires more than doubles after lightning strikes across B.C.

Number of wildfires more than doubles after lightning strikes across B.C.

49 active wildfires are burning across the province

The number of active wildfires in British Columbia more than doubled over a 24-hour span, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS).

BCWS officials said Thursday that warming and drying conditions are expected to continue this week. Forty-nine active wildfires burn across the province, with 29 of those started in the last 24 hours as of 9 a.m. PT Friday, according to the wildfire service's online dashboard.

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The jump comes after lightning overnight in Metro Vancouver and B.C.'s southern Interior, and this morning on Vancouver Island and in the Kootenay region.

The BCWS said Thursday that the potential for lightning is expected to increase through the week, with strong gusts expected to accompany thunderstorms.

Two wildfires of note — the Brunswick Creek and Ainslie Creek wildfires which make up the Brunswick wildfire complex near Boston Bar, B.C. — are still listed as out of control.

The wildfires have resulted in a number of evacuation orders around the community.

Near Pemberton, the Signal Hill wildfire grew to 0.97 square kilometres (97 hectares). The wildfire has caused evacuation alerts for parts of the Village of Pemberton and the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District. An evacuation order is also in effect for One Mile Lake Park to give crews safe working space.

Pemberton Mayor Mike Richman told CBC's The Early Edition that the last few days have been long, but residents are doing fairly well considering the circumstances.

"It's a little surreal at times, when you see the fire right next to the village," Richman said. "But our community is used to a level of hardship and comes together well whenever needed."

He encouraged residents to put fuel in their vehicles, and ensure they have a grab-and-go bag and a plan to evacuate, if necessary.

"We've been encouraging community members to look in on each other, especially if you know somebody that might be vulnerable or has accessibility challenges," Richman said.

He said the evacuation alerts are to ensure residents are prepared to leave if conditions change.

DriveBC notes there is limited visibility on Highway 99 from around Pemberton to Duffey Lake and between Pemberton and Whistler Village.

A speed reduction is in place on Highway 1 near Boston Bar due to the Brunswick Creek complex.

With files from CBC's The Early Edition and The Canadian Press