High winds in forecast pose looming fire threat, B.C. Wildfire Service says, as heat wave peaks

The latest:

Seasonal temperatures are expected to return to southern B.C. starting Thursday, but wildfire officials say incoming winds will increase fire risk.Some residents west of Lillooet and near Keremeos were placed on evacuation order due to expanding wildfires.19 daily heat records were broken on Tuesday, including a high of 42.2 C in Lytton, according to Environment Canada.

While scorching temperatures were expected to reach their climax Tuesday in a prolonged heat wave in southern British Columbia, the B.C. Wildfire Service says the greatest wildfire risk won’t come until later this week.

Fire information officer Sarah Budd says a cold front from the northwest due Thursday will hit