Canada Wildfires: State of Emergency Declared

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Summary:

  • Wildfires in Canada this year are the worst in recent history, prompting a state of emergency in British Columbia.
  • Residents have been forced to evacuate, with thousands already displaced and more on standby.
  • Unprecedented wildfire season attributed to long-term drought and record high temperatures.


They know wildfires in Canada, but not like this. Fires this year are the worst in recent history, as they advance through rural land they threaten population centres. British Columbia has declared a state of emergency. People in the western province have been forced to flee the area. Thousands are subject to an evacuation order. Thousands more have been told to be ready to move. British Columbians know that right now we are facing the worst wildfire season in our province's history.


Unprecedented Wildfires Ravage British Columbia

This unprecedented situation has come to a head this evening. In just the last 24 hours, the situation has evolved and deteriorated quite rapidly. This was smoke in the sky over the city of Kelowna in British Columbia. Canada's Prime Minister spoke of a summer of incredible difficulty. The federal government is closely coordinating with the province of BC and we will be there to add to whatever resources BC has. And we're all going to get through this incredibly difficult summer together. These were the scenes in Yellowknife, the capital city of Canada's northwest territories.

Mass Evacuations and Military Involvement

Twenty thousand residents were given a weekend deadline to leave the city for their own safety. Thousands took to the road. Others were evacuated by air. Canadian military planes joined the effort. A chart of Canadian wildfires through the years vividly reflects the spike seen this year. More than 14 million hectares have been burned. That's twice the previous record in 1989.

Causes and Predictions

Long-term drought conditions and record high temperatures are cited as factors by Canadian authorities who warn of a still unpredictable situation with difficult days ahead.


James Matthews, Sky News.

Location: London, UK

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