Close X
Sunday, November 10, 2024
ADVT 
National

Trudeau in Okanagan to meet firefighters, as final travel ban lifted for Kelowna area

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 25 Aug, 2023 09:45 AM
  • Trudeau in Okanagan to meet firefighters, as final travel ban lifted for Kelowna area

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in the Okanagan in the B.C. Interior to meet with firefighters, volunteers and officials involved in the region's wildfire fight.

Almost 200 homes were lost or damaged around Lake Okanagan in the past week, but the battle has turned a corner with two major blazes being held by firefighters, although the McDougall Creek fire threatening West Kelowna remains out of control.

Trudeau's visit comes after the last travel restriction for the Okanagan was lifted, alongside all previous evacuation orders within the City of Kelowna, with wildfires diminishing since after recent rainfall.

B.C. Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma said in a statement late yesterday that travel restrictions to West Kelowna were to be lifted as of midnight.

The ban for Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon and Kamloops was lifted earlier this week after being placed over much of the region on Aug. 19 to ensure there are accommodations for evacuees and emergency personnel.

Meanwhile, the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre has downgraded all orders within Kelowna, as well as those for some homes in West Kelowna Estates and more than 300 properties in the District of Lake Country, to alert status.

However, officials say evacuation orders are still in effect in parts of West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation and Lake Country.

The emergency operations centre says returning residents should follow its comprehensive guide for a safe return, including proper procedures for issues involving pets, insurance and mental health support.

In addition, officials caution that residents may face a number of hazards left by the wildfire, including damaged trees that can be reported to the City of Kelowna if they are on public property.

Wildfires continue to rage in other parts of British Columbia, including the Stein Mountain blaze near Lytton now at close to 33 square kilometres in size.

The growing fire forced the Thompson-Nicola Regional District to expand its evacuation order to two additional properties in Blue Sky Country north of Lytton Thursday afternoon.

The regional district was able to rescind evacuation orders for 38 properties adjacent to the Ross Moore Lake wildfire south of Kamloops at around the same time.

There are currently around 370 active wildfires across the province, with about 150 classified as out of control and 14 qualified as fires of note for their visibility and threat to populated areas.

To date, wildfires have scorched almost 18,000 square kilometres of land in British Columbia, with 71 per cent of the fires caused by lightning and 23 per cent triggered by people.

 

MORE National ARTICLES

External review found military's COVID-19 vaccine policy violated Charter of Rights

External review found military's COVID-19 vaccine policy violated Charter of Rights
The Military Grievances External Review Committee reviews grievances that are referred to it by the chief of defence staff, and provides the chief with non-binding findings and recommendations. The vaccine policy required Canadian Armed Forces members to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or face release.

External review found military's COVID-19 vaccine policy violated Charter of Rights

Suspect vehicle identified in Richmond shooting of Ravinder Samra

Suspect vehicle identified in Richmond shooting of Ravinder Samra
Through extensive video canvassing, IHIT has identified a suspect vehicle, described as a black 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, which was parked in the hours leading up to the homicide on the west-side of the 8100-block of Minler Road, with the suspects inside.  

Suspect vehicle identified in Richmond shooting of Ravinder Samra

PharmaCare covers medical device for diabetics

PharmaCare covers medical device for diabetics
British Columbia residents with diabetes who use a flash glucose monitor to read their blood sugar levels will now have the cost of it covered by the province. As of today, the FreeStyle Libre will be covered by B-C PharmaCare as a limited-coverage benefit.

PharmaCare covers medical device for diabetics

Labour experts urge caution ahead of union vote that could end B.C. port dispute

Labour experts urge caution ahead of union vote that could end B.C. port dispute
Leaders of the International and Longshore Workers Union Canada are recommending that its 7,400 or so members approve the tentative new deal with employers, that both sides announced in a joint statement late Sunday.  

Labour experts urge caution ahead of union vote that could end B.C. port dispute

Cyberattack on B.C. health websites may have taken personal information

Cyberattack on B.C. health websites may have taken personal information
A cyberattack on three websites hosted by the Health Employers Association of British Columbia may have seized personal information associated with 240,000 email addresses. Michael McMillian, CEO of the association, says information obtained could include social insurance numbers, home addresses, passport and licence details and other personal data. 

Cyberattack on B.C. health websites may have taken personal information

Poilievre says Canada's immigration system is broken, sidesteps target cut questions

Poilievre says Canada's immigration system is broken, sidesteps target cut questions
Pierre Poilievre says Canada's immigration system is broken, but the Conservative leader is sidestepping questions about whether he would change current targets. Appearing before reporters on Parliament Hill, Poilievre criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's recent comments on housing and pledged to speed up entry for immigrants skilled in the building trades. 

Poilievre says Canada's immigration system is broken, sidesteps target cut questions