National

More evacuations, alerts, reflect difficult wildfire season in B.C., Yukon

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 12 Jul, 2023 12:00 AM

At least 12 new evacuation orders or alerts have been issued over the last day in British Columbia as lightning storms and drought conditions add to the challenge of fighting hundreds of wildfires.

The #BCWildfire Service continues to respond to the Davis Lake wildfire (V11152), located approximately 18 km north of Mission. This wildfire is currently 110 ha in size and remains classified as Out of Control. pic.twitter.com/wYfoeQL1hk
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 12, 2023

The orders and alerts cover thousands of hectares of land mainly in the Prince George and Northwest fire centres.

The BC Wildfire Service says just over two-thirds of the province's roughly 330 fires are raging in those two centres.

Flames are not threatening any large communities but an additional evacuation order has been issued for the fire just east of the Village of Burns Lake and evacuations are also posted for a number of properties outside Houston.

Yukon officials say the blaze west of Whitehorse has grown to 14 square kilometres and crews are protecting the Alaska Highway and homes on the northern flank while building guards to ensure flames cannot move closer to the city.

Environment Canada has posted air-quality statements for much of central and northern B.C. and parts of Yukon as far north as Faro, with conditions not expected to ease for at least the next day or two.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Snow delays, cancellations, on B.C. south coast

The North and West Vancouver school districts called a snow day for all public schools while Simon Fraser University cancelled morning classes at all its campuses and a statement from Vancouver International Airport says visibility and de-icing of aircraft have been affected by the unexpectedly heavy snowfall.

Snow delays, cancellations, on B.C. south coast

Vancouver police apologize after mistaken arrest

The suspect who police thought they were arresting was considered armed and dangerous, and potentially in possession of a firearm, so the department's emergency response team was deployed. Police say during the arrest officers shot the man with two rubber bullets.

Vancouver police apologize after mistaken arrest

Aid agencies ask for increased funding in 2023

The request comes in a letter signed by 75 non-governmental organizations, including the Canadian chapters of groups such as Oxfam, Save the Children, Unicef and World Vision. They're asking Freeland to increase international aid funding from the $8.15 billion pledged in the last budget and to gradually ramp that figure up to $10 billion by 2025.

Aid agencies ask for increased funding in 2023

Crash near Castlegar, B.C., claims two lives

The two Nelson residents, aged 68 and 79, were in the back seat of the Toyota and died at the scene. Police say the driver and front-seat passenger were taken to hospital while the driver of the pickup truck was not badly hurt.

Crash near Castlegar, B.C., claims two lives

Border agents finds cache of weapons in B.C.

The agency says more prohibited weapons were also found at a Chilliwack home the day after the arrest. It says the list of weapons included 13 conducted energy weapons, better known as Tasers, 360 stun guns, 171 stun batons and hundreds of prohibited knives and brass knuckles.

Border agents finds cache of weapons in B.C.

Minister suggests budget deficits on way for B.C.

Premier David Eby's government has been spending what was projected as an almost $6-billion surplus from last year’s budget on pressing issues like disaster mitigation, addiction treatment and cost-of-living supports.