After rain and lower temperatures have helped to slow the spread of massive wildfires in western Canada, British Columbia’s government announced on Tuesday that it will end most travel restrictions to the province, effective today.
Previously, travel restrictions forbade non-essential travel to interior parts of British Columbia, including the cities of Kelowna, Vernon, and Kamloops, in an effort to accommodate evacuees and emergency services. However, a travel restriction will remain in place for West Kelowna.
Canada is currently experiencing its worst wildfire season ever. According to Reuters, more than 50,000 people have been forced to leave their homes to escape the flames.
In a recent press conference, Kelowna and West Kelowna officials said that nearly 200 homes in the area have burned, but added that conditions have been slowly improving.
“I really am beginning to feel like we’re turning the corner here on this fire,” said West Kelowna fire chief Jason Brolund.
Reuters has reported that despite improvements in the Kelowna area, officials are warning the communities of Hay River and Fort Smith for “tough days ahead” due to rising temperatures that will accelerate fire activity.
For more information, visit the Government of Northwest Territories’ official wildfire update website.
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