BC Wildfire Service expects to see significant fire activity in July and August

The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has been hard at work fighting wildfires throughout the province this spring, and expects significant wildfire activity through the summer months. 

According to BCWS, this spring’s drought and the warmer, drier conditions throughout BC are contributing factors to a potentially vigorous fire season ahead in some regions. 

“Persistent drought and low snowpacks in the Southern Interior and Coastal regions has increased the risk of wildfire activity,” BCWS wrote in an analysis of the summer fire season. 

“While current conditions indicate we are likely to see significant fire activity during July and August, the longer-term forecast depends on the amount of rain we receive in the weeks ahead.”

On Vancouver Island and throughout much of the province, this week began with hot and dry conditions, though BCWS says that widespread cooling is coming. 

Environment Canada’s weekly forecast is calling for cooler temperatures for southern Vancouver Island to start on Thursday, June 25th, with rainy conditions throughout the weekend. 

Winds are expected to be light in the coming days; however, lightning is expected throughout many regions in BC starting mid-week, adding to the potential for wildfires.

Currently, there are 21 wildfires across BC, three of which are located on Vancouver Island. All three island wildfires were discovered over the weekend and have been deemed “under control” by BCWS. 

One is located around 10 kilometres south of Duncan, one is located by Rogers Creek on the outskirts of Port Alberni and one is around three kilometres southwest of Port McNeill. 

Only two wildfires in all of BC are currently “out of control.” One is located just outside Lytton and the other is in the northeastern reaches of the province. 

The blaze outside Lytton has also been deemed a “wildfire of note” as it has grown to over 700 hectares and its perimeter is encroaching on the municipality which is still recovering from having suffered devastating destruction during the 2021 wildfire season. 

So far in the 2026 fire season, there have been a total of 338 wildfires, 5,185 hectares have been burned and 318 wildfires have been extinguished by BCWS. 

As for the causes of BC’s fires this year, 81% were caused by human activity, 15% were caused by lightning strikes and the cause of 4% have yet to be determined. 

The BCWS’s Coastal Fire Centre, which includes Vancouver Island, has taken the brunt of the fire season so far, with 84 wildfires recorded in 2026—the most of any jurisdiction.

Despite the high number of wildfires in the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, the hectares burned in the region are among the lowest in the province at only 163. 

According to BCWS, prevention is the best way to reduce the impact of wildfires. 

“We encourage everyone enjoying our beautiful province to please be cautious, ensure you are burning safely, and only if permitted,” BCWS wrote in their latest provincial situation report. 

Anyone who sees a wildfire or smoke is being advised to call *5555 or report through the BC Wildfire Service app. 

BCWS noted that images submitted through the app help their operational staff see what’s happening on the ground before crews are able to arrive, helping them to better understand what resources may be required.