Thousands Forced to Flee Wildfires in Western Canada

Thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes as fast-moving wildfires threaten communities in Western Canada, Anadolu Agency reported today.

In British Columbia, over 3,000 residents of Fort Nelson and the nearby First Nation were ordered to leave on Friday as a wildfire rapidly grew to 8 square kilometers.

Meanwhile, 66,000 residents of Fort McMurray, Alberta were placed on evacuation alert due to an out-of-control wildfire. Fort McMurray Fire Chief Jody Butz stated, “From our experiences, we’ve continued to recognize that wildfires are the number one hazard in the region, and it’s clear our community is prepared and more responsive to that reality.”

Tinder dry conditions and powerful winds have caused the wildfires to spread quickly, with BC officials warning of the potential for more blazes over the weekend amid above average temperatures.