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BC Battles Wildfires and Thunderstorms Amid Air Quality Concerns
2 Aug
Summary
- Over 35,000 lightning strikes recorded in BC last month
- 146 active wildfires, some leading to evacuations
- Severe thunderstorm warnings issued, with potential for heavy rain and hail

As of August 3rd, 2025, British Columbia is grappling with a complex situation involving wildfires and severe weather. Environment Canada has issued more than a dozen severe thunderstorm watches across the province, as forecasters warn of conditions favorable for the development of powerful storms.
These storms could bring strong winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall, further complicating the ongoing efforts to control the multiple wildfires burning across the region. In the past week, over 35,000 lightning strikes were recorded in British Columbia, resulting in several new fire starts.
The BC Wildfire Service dashboard currently lists 146 active fires, some of which have led to evacuation orders and alerts for local communities. While the heat warning that had been in place has been lifted, the province continues to face air quality issues due to the smoke from the fires.
The severe weather and persistent wildfires present a significant challenge for the province, as emergency responders and residents work to maintain safety and mitigate the impacts of these concurrent crises.