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BC  

A province on fire

Current estimates have 221,455 hectares burned in 865 wildfires, as an unrelenting heat wave grips British Columbia.

There are currently 184 active fires being fought across the province, with nine evacuation alerts and orders currently in effect, impacting more than 800 homes.

On Sunday, there were 27 fires started in B.C., with an extreme fire hazard rating in many areas, and hot, dry conditions continuing to present challenges to firefighting efforts.

One of the biggest active fires right now is the lightning-caused 20,000-hectare Elaho fire, burning 67 kilometres northwest of Pemberton. It is zero per cent contained.

The Boulder Creek wildfire, burning 23 km northwest of Pemberton Meadows, is now estimated at 5,000 hectares, as it grew significantly over the weekend. A local state of emergency has been declared and an evacuation order is in effect. That fire is also zero per cent contained.

Burning four kilometres north of Kootenay Lake, the Sitkum Creek wildfire sits at 300 hectares. The fire is highly visible from the town of Nelson, and hundreds are on evacuation alert.

The small town of Port Hardy, on northern Vancouver Island, continues to fight a 16-hectare wildfire burning just 1.5 km from the town and less than 300 metres from some homes. It is currently 20 per cent contained, and an evacuation alert is in effect.

These are just a fraction of the 66 active fires larger than 10 hectares in size burning across the province.

Hundreds of firefighters are risking their lives to stop the flames. On Sunday, a 61-year-old logger from Gibson's died while helping forestry crews battle a wildfire near Sechelt.

The B.C. government has also taken the unusual step of imposing a provincewide ban on open burning as temperatures soar to record highs.

Anyone who fails to abide by the Wildfire Act, including open burning restrictions, can be fined $345. Damage to Crown forest or grassland through arson or recklessness can result in a fine of up to $1 million or up to three years in prison.

For a full list of the active fires in B.C., click here. For details on the major wildfires, click here.



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