The number of active wildfires in British Columbia has leapt by about a dozen in a spate of hot, sunny weather that has sent daily temperature records tumbling.

BC Wildfire Service figures showed about 80 active blazes on Thursday, up from 68 the day before.

The service updated its provincial situation report, saying forest fuels remain highly susceptible to ignition, and incoming thunderstorms across southern B.C. were expected to bring a risk of lightning to coastal areas and the southern Interior.

The update posted Thursday noted campfire bans came into effect across the Cariboo and Kamloops fire centres at noon, while a ban was already in place for most of the Coastal fire centre.

The update came after the B.C. government issued a statement urging people to abide by fire prohibitio

See Full Page