165 Wildfires Burning Across B.C. After Weekend Lightning Storm Sparks Dozens of New Fires

Crews successfully contain 75% of new starts as province braces for hotter, drier conditions

August 25 2026 - British Columbia is currently battling 165 active wildfires, according to the latest Provincial Situation Report from the BC Wildfire Service, updated August 24, 2026.

Of those, 31 new fires started in the previous 24 hours, while 56 fires were declared out in the same period. Over the past seven days, 135 fires have been extinguished.

The surge in activity traces back to a subtropical weather system that moved through the province over the weekend. The system delivered hot temperatures and widespread lightning, with more than 11,000 strikes recorded between Friday and Sunday.

Lightning-caused wildfires ignited in every southern fire centre.Fortunately, many of the affected areas also received significant rainfall, which helped moderate fire behaviour and limited the potential for additional starts.

Firefighting crews and operational staff were well prepared for the weather system. Initial attack efforts have proven highly effective: 75% of the new fire starts from the weekend are already classified as Being Held, Under Control, or Out.

Looking at the broader picture of the 165 active fires:

• 34% (56 fires) are Out of Control

• 32% (53 fires) are Being Held

• 34% (56 fires) are Under Control

Three fires remain designated as Wildfires of Note, Bald Range (Kamloops Fire Centre), Pear Lake (Cariboo Fire Centre), and Ainslie Creek (Coastal Fire Centre), all currently listed as Out of Control.

Conditions are expected to shift again this week. Hot, dry, and windy weather is forecast to return, raising the potential for increased fire activity and the emergence of holdover fires (lightning-caused fires that smoulder undetected until conditions worsen).

BC Wildfire says crews remain strategically pre-positioned for rapid initial response.

Anyone who spots a wildfire is asked to report it immediately to 1-800-663-5555, or *5555 on a cellphone, or through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.

165 Wildfires Burning Across B.C. After Weekend Lightning Storm Sparks Dozens of New Fires