British Columbia is experiencing an unprecedented surge in wildfires, with the number of active blazes jumping from around 20 to over 113 within days.The majority of these fires are attributed to a record 4,000 lightning strikes that ignited flames across the province.

This sudden escalation has led to increased evacuation orders, particularly in the southern Interior region, where two-thirds of the fires remain out of control.

The Fiftynine Creek fire, detected on Friday, rapidly expanded to 40 square kilometres by evening, forcing evacuations of 131 properties near Big Bar Lake and Meadow Lake.Strong winds exacerbated the situation, with officials warning of potential structural damage.Over 500 firefighters are deployed across the province, battling flames in areas like Pemberton and the Cariboo region.Environmental agencies have issued air quality warnings for southern Interior regions due to smoke from wildfires, advising reduced outdoor activity.Severe thunderstorms and heat warnings also affect parts of B.C., compounding challenges for emergency responders.The rapid spread of fires highlights the impact of extreme weather conditions on wildfire risk, underscoring the need for heightened preparedness.