30 Aug 2023 | 06:27 AM UTC
Canada: Wildfires continue to cause disruptions across British Columbia as of early Aug. 30 /update 3
Emergency crews continue working to contain multiple wildfires across British Columbia, Canada, as of early Aug. 30. Evacuations ongoing.
Event
Emergency crews are working to contain multiple wildfires burning across British Columbia as of early Aug. 30. Authorities report 418 active fires burning across the province, of which 188 are out of control. Further details on the 12 wildfires of note can be found here. Drought conditions are hampering firefighting efforts. More than 3,500 emergency personnel across the province are on site battling the blazes. Officials have declared a provincewide state of emergency for British Columbia.
More than 120 evacuation orders and alerts are in place across the province, with more than 6,940 properties under evacuation orders and more than 22,000 properties under alert. Further evacuation orders and wildfires are possible in the coming hours and days.
Recovery efforts are ongoing as parts of West Kelowna, especially the West Kelowna Estates area, sustained extensive damage to the power grid and other key infrastructure. Repair crews have restored power to most of the West Kelowna area. At least 189 properties around Okanagan Lake and almost 170 properties and critical infrastructure in the Shuswap region have been destroyed or significantly damaged.
Environment Canada has issued special air quality statements for southern and central southern British Columbia due to the impact of smoke from the wildfires. Many roads near the wildfire complexes are closed, including sections of several highways. Highway 1 between Hope and Lytton is closed through early Sept. 1 due to the risk of landslides from heavy rainfall. Details on road closures across British Columbia can be found here. Officials have removed the airspace restrictions around Kelowna International Airport (YLW). Authorities have urged wildfire tourists and drone operators to stay away to allow emergency crews to operate safely and have requested people to stay clear of lakes that water bombers are using to refill water to douse fires.
Depending on the progression of the wildfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities could close additional routes within the wildfire complexes and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operators. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.
Advice
Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will cause increased congestion and delays. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in an easily accessible "go-bag." Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.
Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses may be more susceptible to the negative effects of smoke inhalation. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.
