Abnormal heat wave causes several wildfires in Western Canada

The entire village of Litton in the province of B.C. was evacuated after a wildfire began rapidly advancing on the village on Wednesday. Village mayor Ian Polderman told local media that the fire engulfed the village in just 15 minutes, shortly after he issued an evacuation order.

The wildfire season began after a record-breaking heatwave in late June. There are currently six fires near B.C., many of which have started due to recent dryness and lack of rainfall. Also according to the wildfire service, these outbreaks were caused by a severe thunderstorm that swept through the region and set dry grass on fire.

"All hotspots will be addressed in priority order," the wildfire service said in a post on Twitter. — Ground crews, helicopters, air tankers, volunteer fire department members and heavy equipment have responded and will continue to work in the coming days."

Much of Western Canada remains under the influence of an anticyclone, according to the National Weather Service. The heat wave in the area is expected to continue through the weekend.