Lightning sparks fresh wildfires and evacuations in western Canada
Nearly 34,000 lightning strikes over one week triggered new fires and evacuation orders in British Columbia as Canada confronted an intense wildfire season.
Fresh wildfires broke out in western Canada after nearly 34,000 lightning strikes were recorded over the past week, prompting new evacuation orders in southern British Columbia.
British Columbia had 90 active wildfires and 25 evacuation orders as of the morning of July 24, 2026, according to a Guardian report. Authorities warned that warmer and drier conditions could cause fires to expand.
Forests were also continuing to burn in Ontario. Prime Minister Mark Carney described the current period as one of Canada’s most intense wildfire seasons on record.
The latest outbreaks add to pressure on communities and emergency services during the peak summer fire period. Conditions can change quickly, and residents in affected areas should follow instructions from provincial and local authorities.
