34,000 Lightning Strikes Push Canada's 2026 Wildfire Season Past 10-Year Average

Nearly 34,000 lightning strikes across southern British Columbia in one week ignited fresh wildfires, pushing Canada's 2026 season past its 10-year average: 2.95 million hectares burned versus a 2.55 million norm. As of July 24, 90 fires burned in BC with 25 evacuation orders. Prime Minister Carney called it "one of the most intense wildfire seasons on record."