B.C. Hydro warns of flickering lights as wildfire ash clogs power lines
Smoke and ash from out-of-control wildfires are disrupting electricity flow across the province. B.C. Hydro says the system is holding, but customers should expect temporary outages.
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B.C. Hydro customers across the province may experience flickering lights or temporary power outages because smoke and ash from wildfires are collecting on major transmission power lines, disrupting electricity flow.
Kevin Aquino, a B.C. Hydro spokesperson, said the infrastructure "is performing as expected during these challenging conditions due to the expertise of our transmission system operators who are maintaining the reliability and integrity of the provincial electricity system as conditions continue to evolve."
The Kelly Lake Substation near Clinton — a major transmission hub that feeds power to Metro Vancouver — is particularly exposed. Clinton sits near the Pear Lake wildfire, which has forced evacuations across the region. "We have an integrated electricity system and Kelly Lake is one of the multiple substations that delivers electricity to the South Coast," Aquino said.
On Saturday, July 25, firefighters were battling 124 wildfires across B.C., including seven major fires that have forced evacuations of more than 1,200 properties. Another 6,400 properties are under alert. The B.C. Wildfire Service said warm, dry conditions continue to hamper firefighting efforts, and Saturday brought high winds that accelerated growth on existing fires.
The facts
How many wildfires were burning in B.C. on July 25, 2026?
On July 25, 2026, firefighters were battling 124 wildfires across B.C., including seven major fires.
How many properties have been evacuated due to B.C. wildfires?
More than 1,200 properties have been evacuated due to major wildfires in B.C., with another 6,400 properties under evacuation alert.
Why is the Kelly Lake Substation particularly at risk?
The Kelly Lake Substation near Clinton is a major transmission hub that feeds power to Metro Vancouver and sits near the Pear Lake wildfire.
