B.C. wildfires force more than 4,500 from homes, people urged to avoid travel

globalnews.ca:

Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Bowinn Ma provided the numbers during a Friday update on the wildfire crisis, as strong winds and tinder-dry conditions fuel explosive fire growth.“I was deeply horrified to witness the distressing images emerging from West Kelowna late last evening,” Ma said.“I know this is a very challenging situation for everyone in that area. My heart is with you, our government is deploying every resource available to keep people safe and protect the community.”About 2,500 people have been forced from their homes in West Kelowna, Kelowna and surrounding communities, and officials said earlier Friday that a “significant” number of structures had been destroyed.

Ma said officials were still working to determine the extent of the damage.The fire, discovered Tuesday, has grown to more than 6,000 hectares in size, according to the BC Wildfire Service.Ma also urged people not to travel to the central Interior or southeastern British Columbia during the current flare up in fire activity.“The central and southeast are facing high risks of wildfires due to the developing situation,” she said.“If you must travel, study the BC Wildfire Service interactive map and emergencyinfobc.ca to learn about active evac alerts and orders. We all need to give BC Wildfire Service personnel the space they need to keep us safe.”Highway 1 is already closed through from Hope to Lytton, where the Kookipi Creek fire has pushed into the Fraser Canyon, forcing evacuations.“We are facing extremely challenging fire situation — we remain in the midst of a strong weather pattern that is creating sustained winds and dry lightning.