More than 7,000 lightning strikes sparked dozens of new wildfires across British Columbia

More than 7,000 lightning strikes ignited dozens of new wildfires across British Columbia on Saturday, as a subtropical weather system brought hot, dry conditions to most of the province.

The B.C. Wildfire Service reported about 50 new fires started in the past 24 hours, with lightning-caused blazes igniting across all of the province's southern fire centres. The electrical activity was intense and widespread, but rainy weather across much of B.C. means many of the newly started fires are already being held or are under control.

The wildfire service warned that hot, dry and windy conditions are expected to return this week, which could bring the potential for additional wildfires. Of particular concern are lightning-caused holdover fires—blazes that smoulder undetected in damp conditions until changing weather patterns lead to more visible smoke and rapid spread.

The shift in weather patterns could create dangerous conditions for fire crews and communities across the region as crews work to contain existing fires and prepare for new ignitions.