Amidst the Canada wildfires, authorities in the Canadian province of British Columbia have issued urgent calls to tens of thousands of residents, stressing the need to heed warnings and swiftly evacuate from areas currently under the immediate threat of rapidly changing and severe fire conditions. They have also urged tourists who are irresponsibly seeking to observe the wildfires and drone operators to refrain from flying drones in the affected areas.
Bowinn Ma, the province’s emergency management minister, emphasized the critical importance of following evacuation orders when issued, highlighting that these orders are a matter of life and death for both the residents and the first responders attempting to ensure their safety.
The situation in the picturesque Okanagan Valley, including Kelowna, is incredibly dynamic, according to Ma. Approximately 30,000 individuals are under evacuation orders, with an additional 36,000 under alerts to prepare for potential evacuation.
To ensure the safety of emergency crews, wildfire tourists and drone operators have been strongly advised to keep their distance. Bruce Ralston, British Columbia’s minister of forests, stressed that drones pose significant risks to firefighting aircraft and crews. He firmly stated that now is not the time for taking photos or footage of active wildfires, as doing so is both irresponsible and illegal within fire zones.
Social Media
Certain tourists have taken to social media to share their experiences with the Canada wildfires , even posting images of themselves witnessing the forest fires. Furthermore, observers have noticed individuals gathering to witness the fires firsthand. Ralston also urged people to steer clear of lakes that water bombers are using to refill water for firefighting.
Regarding concerns surrounding “fire sighting,” Ma communicated that individuals should refrain from engaging in such behavior on the roads, which includes activities such as taking photographs or visiting communities with significant wildfire activity. This caution is crucial as it could hinder the firefighting crews’ efforts.
Drones could potentially obstruct aircraft engaged in crucial firefighting operations, Ma cautioned.
Thick smoke has engulfed Kelowna, a city of 150,000, making it the most recent populated area to feel the impact of the dramatic wildfires that have swept across Canada during the summer, scorching millions of acres. The premier, Daniel Eby, conveyed the grim nature of the current situation.
Canada is currently facing its most severe wildfire season to date, with estimates suggesting that the Canada wildfires have already consumed more than 14 million hectares (34.6 million acres) of land. This area is roughly comparable to the size of Greece and nearly twice the size of the previous record of 7.3 million hectares. The death toll stands at four.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assured that he had discussed the rapidly evolving and devastating wildfire situation with Premier Eby and pledged federal resources to address the disaster.
In the Northwest Territories further north, wildfires have prompted the evacuation of Yellowknife, the regional capital, rendering the city largely deserted. Tragically, the evacuation resulted in the death of one patient from Stanton territorial hospital, an outcome that Health Minister Julie Green had anticipated due to the patient’s condition.
Winds have been propelling the wildfires towards Yellowknife, although there was some relief on Saturday due to overnight rain and a subsequent drop in temperatures. However, officials cautioned that warmer temperatures were expected to return on Sunday. Shane Thompson, the province’s environment minister, emphasized that returning to Yellowknife is not safe yet, as the fires remain active and extensive, deeply entrenched within the forest.
