National

Australian Fire Crews Arrive To Support B.C. Wildfire Suppression Efforts

The Canadian Press, 19 Jul, 2017 11:24 AM

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Fifty experts from Australia are expected to arrive today to help with the wildfire battle in British Columbia's central and southern Interior.

Fire information officer Navi Saini says they'll put the Australians where the need is greatest, taking advantage of their expertise in equipment, technology and logistical support.

The experts arrive as 155 wildfires burn across the province and more than 45,000 people are forced from their homes.

Australian Firefighters have arrived to lend a hand #bcwildfire #BCfires thank you! @Australia @TwitterAU @CTVVancouver pic.twitter.com/xylGGCCU9x
— Herbert Ramos (@herbramos) July 19, 2017

Apart from concerns for their property, many evacuees are also worried about the pets and livestock they left behind.

RCMP Staff Sergeant Annie Linteau says officers took a man into custody after finding him in an evacuation zone trying to feed a friend's pet — an issue she says could have been avoided if the owners followed procedure and contacted their regional government for help.

The Cariboo Regional District says the B.C. SPCA is also increasing its efforts to rescue or care for animals left behind in evacuated areas, and they're encouraging residents to contact the SPCA if they need help.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Carfentanil Found In Increasing Number Of Urine Samples, Say Vancouver Officials

City officials say five overdose deaths were recorded in Vancouver during the week of June 12, up from four the week earlier.

Carfentanil Found In Increasing Number Of Urine Samples, Say Vancouver Officials

Canadian Sniper Shatters World Record, Kills Islamic State Militant From 3,540 Metres

The previous world record was held by British sniper Craig Harrison, who shot a Taliban gunner from a distance of 2,475 metres in 2009.

Canadian Sniper Shatters World Record, Kills Islamic State Militant From 3,540 Metres

Vancouver Police Investigating Suspicious Death After Man Found In Kingsgate Mall Parking Lot

Just after 1:30 a.m., a citizen found the man in apparent medical distress. BC Ambulance and police responded, and he was rushed to hospital where he died.

Vancouver Police Investigating Suspicious Death After Man Found In Kingsgate Mall Parking Lot

Fire Guts String Of Stores Along Vancouver Street

The fire broke out at about 8 p.m. in a string of one-storey businesses that include a tailor, hair studio, pizza shop, an ice cream store and a Salvation Army thrift store.

Fire Guts String Of Stores Along Vancouver Street

Highlights And U-Turns In The B.C. Liberals' Speech From The Throne

Here is a look at some of the major promises in the speech, and where the parties stood during the campaign

Highlights And U-Turns In The B.C. Liberals' Speech From The Throne

Sears Canada Cutting 2,900 Jobs, Closing 59 Stores, Secures Creditor Protection

TORONTO — Sears Canada Inc. (TSX:SCC) said it plans to close 59 locations and cut approximately 2,900 jobs under a court-supervised restructuring after it was granted protection from creditors Thursday.