14 Aug 2018 | 09:03 PM UTC
Canada: Wildfires in British Columbia force thousands to evacuate /update 1
Some 582 wildfires in British Columbia force tens of thousands of people to evacuate; additional evacuations and travel disruptions possible in the coming days
Event
As of Tuesday, August 14, a total of 582 wildfires burning in British Columbia province have prompted authorities to issue 50 evacuation orders and 49 alerts for possible evacuation, affecting tens of thousands of people. Poor air quality alerts, caused by smoke from the fires, have been issued for British Columbia province and Alberta province. The heavy smoke has also caused several flight disruptions at provincial airports on Tuesday.
Further consequent evacuations and travel disruptions are possible in the coming days. Information on the locations of the fires and current evacuation orders can be found at the Emergency Info BC website.
Context
Of the 582 wildfires burning in British Columbia, 500 were started by lightning strikes with some 185 fires igniting on August 11-12.
Advice
Individuals in British Columbia are advised to exercise caution when traveling in areas near wildfires, adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and monitor the situation.
