Here are the latest numbers on British Columbia's wildfire season

B.C.'s wildfire season, by the numbers
B.C.'s wildfire season, by the numbers
A helicopter drops water while fighting the Brunswick Creek wildfire in Boston Bar, B.C., on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Writer

Wildfire and government officials in British Columbia have provided an update on the season to date. Here are some key figures, as of Tuesday afternoon.

Fires burning: 89

Fires starts since April 1: 647

Causes of all fires to date: Human-caused 56 per cent, lightning 40 per cent, undetermined 4 per cent

Causes of all current fires: Lightning 79 per cent, human-caused 13 per cent, undetermined 8 per cent.

Evacuation orders: 600 properties

Evacuees: 430

Evacuation alerts: 5,700 properties

Firefighting personnel: 717

Aircraft: 102

Total area burned: 535 square kilometres to date, compared to 8,864 square kilometres last year and a 20-year annual average of 5,089 square kilometres

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2029.

By Canadian Press Staff | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

CanadaNews
  • The Canadian Press

    The Canadian Press is Canada's trusted news source and leader in providing real-time, bilingual multimedia stories across print, broadcast and digital platforms. From breaking regional, national and international stories to the biggest events in politics, business, entertainment and lifestyle, The Canadian Press is there when it matters, giving Canadians an authentic, unbiased source, driven by truth, accuracy and timeliness.

Wildfire season tracking to be 4th worst on record; fire risk remains elevated

Wildfire season tracking to be 4th worst on record

Evacuation order downgraded to alert as wildfire is held in West Kelowna, B.C.

Evacuation order downgraded as B.C. wildfire held

Lotto Max winning numbers for Friday, August 21 are out and there's a $55 million jackpot

We have a winner! 🚨

This tiny Ontario village is dotted with cute shops and surrounded by silky-sand beaches

It's a charming spot to explore.

Five Things: PM Carney explains why Canada left the U.S. negotiating table

Carney explains why Canada left the U.S. table

Canada vows dollar-for-dollar tariff retaliation, suspends trade talks with U.S.

Canada halts trade talks, will match U.S. tariffs

9 ways I know someone is a Toronto local (and if they're not)

These things expose you!

Canada Pension Plan payments for August are giving over $1,500 to some eligible Canadians

You have to apply for this federal benefit.

A list of some of the items the U.S. is slapping with a 50 per cent tariff

Here's what items will be tariffed by the U.S.

Ontario has a mini Edinburgh with historic streets and European charm

No flight needed.

7 things I desperately miss about Ontario life now that I moved away to BC

If you're considering a move West... read this.