A lightning strike in the Okanagan during one of last week’s storms. More than 17,830 lightning strikes hit the province as storms swept through B.C. between Aug. 10 and Aug. 13, according to the BC Fire Service. In a social media post Saturday night, BCWS said that during those four days, 140 new fires were started by lightning. “The BC Wildfire Service was well prepared for this weather event, with strategically placed resources focused on the initial response,” BCWS said. “As a result, more than half of these fires are now classified as extinguished, under control or under control.” BCWS said thunderstorms are not unusual for August — which is BC’s second most active lightning month after July — but four consecutive days of this type of weather is “remarkable.” At the Kamloops fire station, BCWS said Saturday there were 2,665 lightning strikes on Friday, 2,665 on Thursday and 2,617 on Wednesday. BCWS encourages anyone who believes they spot a new fire to report it through the BCWS app. Taylor Colman, fire intelligence officer, said a feature allows users to attach photos of the suspected fire. “When you submit that report with the photos attached, we pass it on to the responders so they really have a better understanding of what you’re seeing,” Coleman said. “They can respond better based on terrain and fire behavior and sending the appropriate resources because we have a better idea of what’s happening on the ground.” According to the BCWS, as of Sunday morning there were 165 active fires in the province, 44 of them at the Kamloops Fire Station.
Between August 10 and 13 the province of B.C. has been struck by lightning more than 17,830 times. — BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 14, 2022
