Canadian government steps in as ‘out of control’ wildfires force thousands to flee
The Canadian federal government is providing emergency assistance to British Columbia as over 100 wildfires, many out of control, force thousands to evacuate. The fires are spreading at an unprecedented speed, overwhelming local firefighting efforts.
Why it matters
The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Canada highlight the growing impact of climate change on infrastructure and public safety.
Firefighters would traditionally get a break during nightfall, as cooler air would slow the burning, but this is no longer the case./Getty Images Firefighters would traditionally get a break during nightfall, as cooler air would slow the burning, but this is no longer the case./Getty Images Canada Canadian government steps in as ‘out of control’ wildfires force thousands to flee British Columbia battling 102 fires day and night across province, as breakneck speed hampers firefighters’ efforts
Prefer the Guardian on Google Canada’s federal government has announced it will provide urgent assistance to British Columbia after an onslaught of unprecedented fast-moving wildfires forced about 22,000 people to flee their homes in frantic evacuations.
A total of 102 wildfires were raging across the province on Sunday, of which nearly half were categorised as “out of control”, according to the BC Wildfire Service. Of those fires, 78 ignited during the past week.
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