Close X
Sunday, November 10, 2024
ADVT 
National

B.C. warns of increasing wildfire risk with the return of hot, dry weather

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 01 Aug, 2024 11:09 AM
  • B.C. warns of increasing wildfire risk with the return of hot, dry weather

The number of active wildfires in British Columbia is holding steady at just under 340 as the provincial government warns of increasing fire risk this weekend.

A statement from the government says people in wildfire-prone areas are "strongly urged" to be vigilant, adhere to fire bans, and be prepared with an emergency plan.

Environment Canada is forecasting a return of hotter temperatures over the long weekend, particularly in the southern Interior, where campfires are prohibited.

The weather office has issued heat warnings for several areas, including the Fraser Canyon, the Okanagan, the South Thompson region and the Kootenays, where daily highs are expected to reach into the upper 30s before cooling after the weekend.

The North Thompson will see temperatures in the low- to mid-30s, and another warning says much of eastern Vancouver Island will see daily highs into the 20s.

A smoky skies bulletin is also in effect for East Columbia and Arrow and Slocan lakes areas in southeastern B.C., a hot spot for many active wildfires.

Dry lightning strikes sparked dozens of new fires in that area last month, pushing B.C.'s wildfire total above 400 before the arrival of rain and cooler temperatures.

The B.C. government says hundreds of people remain on evacuation order, many of whom have been forced from their homes due to fires in the Kootenay region.

The BC Wildfire Service says 40 per cent of the roughly 340 active blazes across the province are burning out of control, with eight new starts in the last 24 hours.

Just over 70 fires are classified as "being held" and 129 are "under control."

There are more than 1,600 firefighting personnel, 200 structure protection workers, and more than 180 aircraft currently deployed across the province.

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. NDP ministers Bains, Ralston and Fleming won't seek re-election

B.C. NDP ministers Bains, Ralston and Fleming won't seek re-election
Three provincial New Democrat ministers have announced they won't seek re-election in British Columbia's fall vote. Harry Bains, Bruce Ralston and Rob Fleming were all first elected in 2005 and have served five terms in the legislature, but say they will not stand on Oct. 19.

B.C. NDP ministers Bains, Ralston and Fleming won't seek re-election

Creating proposed online harms regulators could cost $200 million: budget watchdog

Creating proposed online harms regulators could cost $200 million: budget watchdog
The parliamentary budget officer estimates that staffing up the new regulators in the Liberals' Online Harms Act will cost around $200 million over five years.  The federal government wants to establish a Digital Safety Commission to regulate social-media companies and force them to limit harmful content online. 

Creating proposed online harms regulators could cost $200 million: budget watchdog

Federal government announces $19M for Science World upgrades in B.C.

Federal government announces $19M for Science World upgrades in B.C.
Infrastructure Canada says $19 million in upgrades to Vancouver's Science World will increase the facility's lifespan and reduce its energy consumption by more than 40 per cent. The federal government says the money will go toward repairing Science World's geodesic dome, the building envelope, and fixes to its heating, electrical and ventilation systems. 

Federal government announces $19M for Science World upgrades in B.C.

Woman dies in weekend drowning

Woman dies in weekend drowning
Mounties on the upper Sunshine Coast say a 29-year-old woman is dead after an apparent drowning over the weekend. They say it happened on Sunday near the barge terminal on Savary Island off the coast of Lund, north of Powell River.

Woman dies in weekend drowning

B.C. government to launch online portal to combat 'bad faith' evictions

B.C. government to launch online portal to combat 'bad faith' evictions
The Ministry of Housing says the Landlord Use Web Portal will go live on July 18, and will require landlords to generate eviction notices under the Residential Tenancy Act's provision allowing tenants to be evicted from a unit if a family member or caretaker intends to move in. 

B.C. government to launch online portal to combat 'bad faith' evictions

Irish prime minister 'appalled' by Canadian tourist's death after alleged assault

Irish prime minister 'appalled' by Canadian tourist's death after alleged assault
Ireland's prime minister says he's "absolutely appalled" by an assault in the country's capital that resulted in the death of a tourist from Montreal. Simon Harris today described Neno Dolmajian's death in Dublin as "reprehensible" and "horrific" and told parliament the death is now being investigated as a murder.

Irish prime minister 'appalled' by Canadian tourist's death after alleged assault