Airflow pattern brings potential for increased wildfires in coastal B.C.

VANCOUVER — The BC Wildfire Service says the Coastal Fire Centre is expected to get its first “outflow pattern” of the season, which could drive more significant fire behaviour.

It says the pattern occurs when air flows out from the mountains towards the water, and will develop Monday and continue Tuesday in the region.

The service says in a post on its website that winds are expected to moderate, although warm and dry conditions persist early this week before a return to a “typical southwesterly flow” on Wednesday.

It says the fire centre wants to warn the public about the potential for aggressive fire behaviour and asks anyone who sees a blaze to report it as early detection is “crucial” to firefighting efforts.

The service says there are 70 active fires burning across the province, nine of which are in the Coastal Fire Centre.

Its latest situational report also notes that rain is expected in the southeast corner of B.C. on Monday.

That update comes after an out-of-control wildfire near Princeton, B.C., prompted an evacuation order over the weekend for about 30 properties.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 14, 2025.

The Canadian Press