Canada wildfires: State of emergency declared in British Columbia province
Canada News: The western province of British Columbia in Canada has declared a state of emergency as a rapidly spreading wildfire threatens homes near West Kelowna city. Premier David Eby cautioned that the situation is evolving rapidly, with the McDougall Creek wildfire ballooning from 64 to 6,800 hectares within 24 hours. Over 4,800 people have been issued evacuation orders.
Additionally, another massive wildfire has displaced approximately 22,000 people, about half of the population, in Canada's Northwest Territories. The deadline for evacuating the capital, Yellowknife, has passed as the wildfire approaches the city's outskirts.
Premier Eby acknowledged this year's severe wildfire season, declaring a provincial state of emergency to facilitate rapid access to necessary resources. The declaration could include travel restrictions to specific areas if non-essential travel isn't avoided.
Local officials have reported significant structural damage, but no fatalities have been recorded thus far. The fires are exacerbated by the region's California-style climate and recent dryness and wind conditions.
As a precaution, Kelowna International Airport's airspace has been restricted to aerial firefighters.
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- With inputs from agencies
