WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is going to see for himself today the effect hundreds of wildfires have had on British Columbia in recent weeks.
Trudeau is heading to Williams Lake with B.C. Premier John Horgan and several federal cabinet ministers.
About 10,000 people were forced from Williams Lake more than two weeks ago when flames from nearby fires threatened to cut off access to vital highways in British Columbia's Interior, and residents only began returning home late last week.
First responders have been working hard to get people in BC home safely. I’ll be in Williams Lake today to thank them & meet with officials.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 31, 2017
The politicians will meet with Canadian Armed forces and RCMP members, visit a fire centre co-ordinating responses to the blazes, and do an aerial tour of fire zones in the region.
Trudeau was in Revelstoke, B.C., on Saturday, where he urged Canadians to donate to the Red Cross' relief efforts for fire-ravaged communities across the province.
More than 800 wildfires have scorched about 4,260 square kilometres in B.C. since April 1 and the province has spent $172.5 million fighting the flames.
Tonight the prime minister will speak to supporters at a Liberal fundraising event in Surrey.
