B.C. Wildfires Are Very Dangerous
Here is the latest news on the wildfires:
The Pear Lake wildfire is the biggest in B.C. It covers about 1,247 square kilometers. About 120 properties have been destroyed.
The Bradley Creek wildfire has destroyed at least 200 homes. It covers about 28.5 square kilometers.
More people had to leave their homes because of the Bradley Creek and Quilpituk Creek wildfires.
About 8,000 people must leave their homes, and 7,100 people are warned to be ready to leave.
Wildfire officials say the situation is very dangerous. Hot weather and lightning are coming.
The cooler weather that helped firefighters is over. Hotter, drier weather is back.
The weather will get hotter and drier, making the fires worse.
It will be very hot in the southern Interior, with possible lightning.
Most of the 116 wildfires in B.C. were started by lightning. Eight new fires started in the last 24 hours.
The winds will be light, which is good news.
Last weekend, strong winds made the Bradley Creek fire spread quickly.
Firefighters have never seen conditions like this before. The fires are growing very fast.
The situation is very dangerous.
Many properties have been damaged or destroyed.
About 120 properties were destroyed by the Pear Lake wildfire.
The wildfire destroyed structures on about 120 properties near Clinton.
The hardest-hit areas are Big Bar Lake, Kelly Lake Road, and the Chasm area.
The number of destroyed properties will likely increase.
The Bradley Creek wildfire has destroyed at least 200 homes.
The fire has been very devastating, and many people lost everything.
B.C. Hydro says its infrastructure was damaged. At least 150 power poles need to be replaced.
Many B.C. Hydro customers lost power.
More power poles will need to be repaired or replaced.
Crews will start working when it's safe.
About 8,000 people are under evacuation order, and 7,100 are under evacuation alert.
People under evacuation order must leave immediately.
Many people are threatened by the Quilpituk Creek and Bradley Creek wildfires.
Residents are very stressed.
The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre says many properties are under evacuation order.
The Regional District of Northern Okanagan expanded the evacuation order.
The Okanagan Indian Band is also under evacuation order.
The Spallumcheen evacuation order was reduced.
People in need can go to the Westbank Lions Community Centre or Kal Tire Place.
Evacuation orders are still in effect for some areas.
An evacuation order was downgraded to an alert.
Another evacuation order was partially downgraded.
Some major routes are closed due to wildfires.
Highway 1 is closed, and drivers must use highways 3 or 5.
Highway 97 is closed, and traffic is being detoured.
Westside Road is closed, and the alternate route is Highway 97.
Some roads are closed near the U.S. border. Silver Lake is open, but Ross Lake Campground is closed.
If you've been affected by the wildfires, you can share your story.