Four small wildfires discovered west of Campbell River on Sunday are either under control or being held, according to wildfire officials. None of the fires threatened communities or infrastructure, and crews confirmed that the situation remains stable despite hot and dry weather.
The first fire was reported early Sunday morning near Salmon River, just north of Highway 28. It was measured at 0.009 hectares in size. A second fire of the same size was located nearby at Huber River, also north of Highway 28. Later that evening, two more small wildfires were discovered farther west. Each of them was 0.009 hectares or less. All four fires have been contained, and their causes remain under investigation.
A fifth fire near Buttle Lake Narrows on Highway 28, also reported on Sunday, has already been declared out. Officials believe that blaze was caused by lightning from a storm system that moved across the region.
According to wildfire crews, the four active fires are located in a high sub-alpine zone and are not close to any homes or critical infrastructure. Because of their remote location, officials are using what they call a “modified response,” which combines different firefighting techniques to minimize damage while allowing some natural ecological benefits. Fires in high-elevation areas can play a role in renewing vegetation and supporting forest health, so suppression strategies are balanced with environmental needs.
Crews are continuing to patrol the area for any signs of new ignitions. Lightning strikes can sometimes spark fires inside trees, with smoke or flames not visible until days later. This makes monitoring an important part of the response plan.
The recent wildfires near Campbell River are part of a larger increase in fire activity across the province. On Friday and Saturday, more than 4,300 lightning strikes were recorded, hitting hardest in the Cariboo and coastal regions. In the past seven days, 144 new wildfires have been reported. Of these, 57 have already been declared out, while most of the others remain very small at one hectare or less. In the last 24 hours alone, 44 new fires have ignited, bringing the current total number of active wildfires in the province to 141.
Weather conditions have continued to raise the risk of new fires. On Monday, temperatures stayed hot and dry with light winds. Forecasts show a chance of more lightning in the coming days, particularly in the Coastal, southern Kamloops, and Southeast Fire Centre regions, with the highest risk expected in the south.
Wildfire officials say that while most of the active fires are small and under control, the situation can change quickly. Dry fuels on the ground make it easier for new lightning strikes to start fires that can spread fast. Patrols and aerial checks are continuing in the areas most affected by recent storms.
For now, the small wildfires near Campbell River remain under control, and no communities are in danger. Authorities urge residents and travelers in the region to remain alert, report any signs of smoke, and follow safety notices if conditions change.
