Washington/Vancouver, Canada - Nearly 5,000 Canadians have had to flee raging forest and bush fires in the western province of British Columbia, the Vancouver Sun reported online Tuesday.

Amidst a spell of extremely hot, dry weather, between 500 and 700 fires were burning in the province on any day, with 100 to 150 new ones starting each day, according to fire information officer Radha Fisher.

"The conditions are prime for fires" in 85 per cent of the province, Fisher was quoted as saying. "We have seen big fire seasons in the past and we are seeing one now."

Helicopters were being used to battle at least one blaze on Blackcomb Mountain, and air tankers were expected.

The Sun reported that at least 4,850 British Columbians were displaced by the fires, staying in hotels, schools or with friends. A fire that broke out on Mount McClean Sunday forced 2,300 residents of the town of Lillooet to seek cover.

Native Canadian communities of Bridge River and Kayoosh First Nations were also evacuated.

During an average fire season in British Columbia, there are 1,200 fires by the beginning of August, the Sun reported. This year, there have been 2,200 fires.(dpa)