The B.C. Wildfire service says it’s expecting above-seasonal temperatures into this week and warns that could increase the likelihood of new wildfire starts.
Warm weather across British Columbia broke daily temperature records in at least nine Vancouver Island locations this past weekend.
Victoria’s Gonzlaes station got to 26.9 C, breaking the record of 25 C for May 3 set in 1898, while the Victoria International Airport recorded a high of 25.1 C, breaking the previous record of 25.0 C set in 1944. That’s about 10 degrees above the normal for this time of year.
Environment Canada said records were also set in Tofino (25.7 C), Qualicum Beach (26.5 C), Port Alberni (29.8 C), Nanaimo (28.1 C), Comox (27.1 C) and Campbell River (29.9 C).
In all, 24 locations in B.C. saw daily temperature records broken. Temperatures spiked above 30 C in several mainland locations, including Pemberton, Osoyoos, Lillooet and Cache Creek.
Squamish in the Sea to Sky region north of Metro Vancouver almost joined their ranks with a daily high of 29.9 C.
The B.C. Wildfire service said it’s expecting above-seasonal temperatures into this week and warns that could increase the likelihood of new wildfire starts.
There are about 31 active wildfires in B.C., with roughly 10 new fires recorded Sunday — including two on Vancouver Island.
The B.C. Wildfire Service said one blaze deemed under control was discovered just west of Coombs near Highway 4 early Sunday afternoon.
An initial attack crew and response officer were assigned to the blaze in co-ordination with the Coombs-Hilliers Fire Department, said the wildfire service.
Another fire was discovered near Tyee Creek, east of Ladysmith.
The wildfire service is working with the Ladysmith Fire Department to fight the blaze, which was about 0.2 hectares on Sunday evening.
The blaze is being held, which means it is not expected to grow beyond its control line or boundary.
Both fires are suspected to have been caused by humans, the wildfire service said.