The BC Wildfire Service says that for the first time this summer, we’ve reached a level of fire activity where we need to bring in assistance from outside B.C. and Canada.

Intense lightning storms have generated a significant increase in fire activity across B.C., with over 450 fires burning as of last night.

Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service

As a result, for the first time in 2018, the BC Wildfire Service has reached a Provincial Preparedness Level of 4, meaning that the province is experiencing a high level of fire activity and multiple fire starts and will require assistance from outside of B.C. to continue managing the situation.

The BC Wildfire Service says that they are actively monitoring the amount and type of resources required to respond to the situation, and they are requesting resources from across Canada and internationally.

Photo Credit: NowMedia

More information on the assistance they have requested will be available in the coming days.

Last summer, B.C. was assisted by additional resources from other provinces and other countries, like Mexico.

At the beginning of August last year, 108 Mexican firefighters touched down in B.C. to assist in the unprecedented wildfire season. We also had resources come in from the United States.