Amazing storm photos

Photo: Ian Dangerzone

Photo: Mike Greenwood

Photo: Sarika Kelm

Photo: Tiah Brawn

Photo: Tina Nichola

Photo: Tina Nichola

Photo: Contributed

Photo: Aaron McRann

Photo: Contributed

Photo: Contributed

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An unexpected lightning storm late Tuesday afternoon set the Okanagan aglow with wildfires. 

It began with the sound of thunder in the South and Central Okanagan. It wasn't long after the thunder that social media began to light up with photos of lightning splitting the late afternoon sky. 

Remarkable photo from Aaron McRann of lightning strike that started one of 13 wildfires in #Okanagan-Similkameen this evening https://t.co/d3p3F8giC1 pic.twitter.com/NlxjbWkrkf

— Colin Dacre (@ccdacre) July 18, 2018

Photo: Tina Nicola

For a brief, but intense period, lightning-strike caused wildfires flared up at an alarming pace, sending fire crews scrambling.

Unbelievable stop by the Naramata Fire Dept. A fire sparked right next to this home on Naramata Road. The whole department is here putting out hot spots, but the home is safe. More to come on @CastanetNews. #Penticton pic.twitter.com/FKI2m6pGM5

— Colton Davies (@ColtonDavies_) July 18, 2018

Amazing #lightning in the #okanagan tonight. Big respect for the air and land firefighters who appeared out of nowhere and put them down. pic.twitter.com/cKgp5rkK3c

— Stephen Taylor (@vancouvercam) July 18, 2018

The BC Wildfire Service report line was inundated with calls. 

For individuals trying to report new wildfire activity to *5555 / 1-800-663-5555, it is best to wait on the line rather than to hang up and dial again. Please only report wildfires that you suspect have not yet been called in, thank you.

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 18, 2018

Photo: Meghann Fletcher

As the storm calmed and clouds parted in the south, the winds began to pick up in the north. The lightning followed and so did the lightning-caused fires.

In less than four hours, Tuesday's lightning storm sparked 13 new fires in the Kamloops Fire Centre and even more throughout the province.

Substantial lightning activity across B.C. has led to a busy evening. 38 new wildfires began today - this number is expected to rise as more are discovered tomorrow. Urgent updates to be posted as needed overnight, otherwise new information to be provided tomorrow.

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 18, 2018