Wildfires are burning across the western United States and Canada, driven by severe drought conditions. More than 40 large wildfires are currently active in the western US, while over 100 blazes are scorching parts of western Canada.
In Washington state, fires near Spokane destroyed nearly 1,000 structures last week. While some evacuation orders eased on Sunday, the hardest-hit neighborhoods remain closed as crews check for hot spots. Officials have not specified when families in these areas can return home.
The Bug Fire near Reno, Nevada, has burned more than 15,000 acres, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate over the weekend. In Utah, the Widemouth 2 Fire has grown to more than 100,000 acres. Two pilots were killed after their helicopter crashed on Friday while fighting the Widemouth 2 Fire.
Emergency declared in British Columbia
British Columbia declared a province-wide state of emergency on Saturday as more than 100 wildfires burned across the region amid windy weather and prolonged drought. The Bald Range Fire nearly doubled in size overnight.
More than 20,000 people were ordered to evacuate Summerland, located 150 miles east of Vancouver. Some residents required rescue operations. British Columbia Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar stated that aerial response teams were converted to emergency evacuation personnel. Eighteen aircraft were used to rescue more than 50 individuals.
As the fires continue, some residents are keeping a wary eye out for possible evacuation orders. Others who were forced to flee are waiting to see what remains of their homes upon their return.
