More than 40 new fires in Kamloops Fire Centre since Saturday | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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More than 40 new fires in Kamloops Fire Centre since Saturday

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As thunder and lightning rolled through the Southern Interior over the weekend, strikes across the region caused multiple new wildfires.

B.C. Wildfire information officer Mara Catherall says on Saturday, Aug. 11, alone, there were 39 new fire starts in the Kamloops Fire Centre, and two new fire starts on Sunday.

"Most are suspected to be lightning caused because there was a lightning event that came through, and many are still in the early stages of development and investigation," Catherall says.

Of the new fires, 36 are estimated to be spot-sized, which is good news for firefighters, Catherall says. But because so many new blazes started, Catherall says, it puts a strain on resources.

To help with resource challenges, the federal government announced earlier today it would be offering assistance to B.C. for the wildfire situation.

The large amount of smoke that has blanketed the region has had its pros and cons when it comes to the wildfire situation, Catherall says, adding that the haze has resulted in cooler temperatures which helps crews, but it does pose challenges for aircraft.

When the smoke does lift and temperatures heat up, something called "holdover fires" can pop up.

Catherall says these fires are basically caused when a lightning strike hits something like a tree, and can stay alive in the roots. Once conditions heat up, the fire can light up within days or weeks after the storm originally passes through.


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