Canadian crews making progress in bushfire fight
Canadian crews making progress in bushfire fight
21 July 2009
published by www.abc.net.au
B.C., Canada — Canadian firefighters say they have made progress in their struggle to contain the bushfires near Kelowna in the western province of British Columbia.
About 1,400 hectares of forest has been burnt so far and hundreds of homes remain under threat.
Officials say about half of the 11,000 residents who were forced to leave their homes since Saturday will be allowed to return soon, after spending three nights in emergency shelters.
The major highway into the city is also set to reopen.
Fire officials say the main fire has been about 40 per cent contained.
Three homes were destroyed as well as six other buildings.
They say it is too early to assess the amount of damage.
Meanwhile, two other fires in the area are burning out of the control, due to high temperatures and extremely dry conditions.
