Largest wildfire in Canadian history: State of emergency declared

Wildfire suppression and evacuation in the provinces of British Columbia and Canada’s Northwest Territories continues unabated.

British Columbia Premier David Eby said in a statement that the fires had spread rapidly in the past 24 hours and the situation had worsened. Stating that around 15,000 people have been evacuated, Eby said: “Due to this rapid deterioration, we are declaring a state of emergency across the state tonight.” saying.

CBC News reported that a significant number of buildings were damaged in the fires in the state city of Kelowna, with a population of about 150,000. Flights at the Kelowna airport were reportedly ground to a halt because aircraft responding to fires from the air were given priority in fighting wildfires in the city.

NOTICE OF REGISTRATION TO THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE

British Columbia Emergency Management Director Bowinn Ma said evacuation warnings have been issued for 20,000 people in the area and residents should be ready to pack up and leave as soon as the situation quickly develops.

Ongoing wildfires in Canada’s Northwest Territories province closed in on the capital Yellowknife, leaving almost no one in the city due to evacuations. State officials said some 19,000 people were evacuated in less than 48 hours and only 2,600 residents remained.

Four settlements in Yellowknife were claimed to be at high risk, with the evacuation of people from the region starting two days ago due to the blazes approaching the town.

As of August 16, 1,067 wildfires were reported to be continuing in Canada, and an area of ​​21,000 square kilometers in the country burned this year. (AA)