Wildfires rage throughout western Canada

About 1,300 people were battling the fires across western Canada, including soldiers and firefighting crews from across the country.

Wildfires in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan are out of control, with one blaze more than five times the size of Saskatoon, the province's largest city.

About 1,300 people were battling the fires across western Canada, including soldiers and firefighting crews from across Canada.

Data posted on the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre said wildfires have burned almost one million hectares in Saskatchewan so far this year.

Fires also raged in British Columbia and Alberta, triggering evacuations, and air advisories have been issued across central and western Canada, as well as parts of the western US due to the thick smoke billowing over the Pacific region.

There might be a bit of relief in store for firefighters in British Columbia, with showers and cooler weather forecast.

Environment Canada is forecasting lower temperatures and possible rain in Williams Lake, Pemberton and Nelson, all areas where fires have been devouring forests.

About 200 fires burned in British Columbia, with 959 fires having started since April 1, fire information officer Kevin Skrepnek said.

About 2,300 people, including contractors and fire crews from Ontario, are fighting the fires and that a crew of about 50 people from Australia is expected to join them next week.


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Source: AAP



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