B.C. wildfires affect over 6,300 properties under evacuation orders or alerts
Eighty-seven active wildfires are burning across the province as of Tuesday, with lightning storms sparking 79 per cent of new fires.
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B.C. is battling 87 active wildfires as of Tuesday, July 21, with more than 33,000 lightning strikes last week fueling rapid fire growth across the province.
As of Tuesday morning, 600 properties were under evacuation orders and 5,700 under evacuation alerts. The majority of alerts are due to the Matthew Creek wildfire near Kimberley, where approximately 5,300 properties are under alert. Lightning is the suspected cause of 67 of the active fires — 79 per cent of new starts.
Forests Minister Ravi Parmar said the forecast shows challenging weather ahead with hot, dry conditions and limited rain in southern areas. However, crews are keeping the majority of new wildfire starts under 10 hectares "thanks to the swift, effective action from our B.C. Wildfire Service crews, local firefighters, and other partners, including wildland contractors."
Four fires are of particular concern: Ainslie Creek and Brunswick Creek near Boston Bar, and Matthew Creek and Tower Creek 2 near Kimberley. Brunswick Creek has prompted nine evacuation orders and one alert; Ainslie Creek has prompted one evacuation alert. Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene urged anyone under an alert to prepare a grab-and-go bag and stay informed.
The facts
How many properties are under evacuation orders or alerts in B.C.?
As of Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 600 properties in B.C. are under evacuation orders and 5,700 are under evacuation alerts, for a total of 6,300 properties affected.
How many active wildfires are burning in B.C.?
Eighty-seven active wildfires are burning across B.C. as of Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
What percentage of new wildfires were caused by lightning?
Lightning is the suspected cause of 79 per cent of new wildfire starts in B.C.
Which wildfire has the most properties under alert?
The Matthew Creek wildfire near Kimberley has approximately 5,300 properties under evacuation alert.
