British Columbia is experiencing a dramatic surge in wildfires, with lightning strikes triggering over 100 blazes in a single day.As of Saturday, the province reported 113 active fires, a sharp increase from the 20 fires recorded just three days earlier.The BC Wildfire Service attributes the majority of these new fires to 4,000 lightning strikes that hit the region on Friday.The situation has led to heightened evacuation orders and alerts, particularly in the southern Interior region.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District issued evacuation orders for 131 properties near Big Bar Lake and Meadow Lake due to the Fiftynine Creek fire, which rapidly expanded to 40 square kilometers.Similarly, the Cariboo Regional District activated evacuations for the Bowers Lake fire and issued alerts for the Lessard Lake fire.

Over 500 firefighters are now deployed across the province to combat the blazes, which have been exacerbated by dry conditions and an incoming weather system expected to bring more lightning strikes.

Officials warn that the fire activity will likely continue in the coming days, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness as the wildfire season intensifies.