Mexican firefighters set to join battle against deadly wildfire in western Canada
A deadly wildfire near Okanagan Lake in western Canada has forced 20,000 people to evacuate, and about 100 firefighters from Mexico are expected to arrive Tuesday to help fight the blaze.
A large wildfire in British Columbia, western Canada, has grown to 156 square kilometres, killing one person and forcing roughly 20,000 residents to flee while destroying homes and other property.
The victim, an 80-year-old woman, died in Meadow Valley, west of Summerland, while trying to escape the flames. The fire has been advancing toward Summerland, a community of about 12,000 people located roughly 300 kilometres east of Vancouver.
About 100 firefighters from Mexico were expected to arrive on Tuesday to help battle the blaze. Hugh Murdoch of the British Columbia Wildfire Service described the situation as a "monumental task," noting that steep terrain and hot conditions are hampering efforts, while flying embers are igniting new fires beyond the main perimeter and limiting crews' ability to attack the fire directly.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has launched a criminal investigation into the cause of the fire, which broke out on Friday. The blaze has destroyed numerous homes, though dangerous conditions have so far prevented officials from completing full damage assessments.
Residents warned of long wait to return
Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes said on Monday that the town's roughly 12,000 residents should not expect to return home soon. He urged people to prepare for the possibility that their homes may be gone, acknowledging it would be a difficult time requiring community support for those affected.
Around 100 wildfires are currently burning across British Columbia, with about half classified as out of control. The province's Wildfire Service has also warned of a high risk of new lightning-caused fires in the central Interior and Okanagan region.
