Wildfire extends B.C. state of emergency
Wildfire extends B.C. state of emergency
8 August 2009
published by www.upi.com
Canada — A severe wildfire prompted the government in British Columbia Saturday to extend its state of emergency for a portion of the Canadian province.
The Vancouver Sun reported the extension of the state of emergency for the Regional District of Central Okanagan comes as more than 400 firefighters try to contain a wildfire that has consumed 33 square miles.
An estimated 60 percent of the wildfire remained out of control as of Saturday morning as heavy smoke and strong winds limited firefighting efforts Friday night.
The state of emergency grants special powers to regional district officials to help ensure the safety of area civilians.
The Sun said nearly 2,150 area residents had been ordered to evacuate their homes.
Nearly 2,500 additional residents have been told to prepare to leave quickly should an evacuation be ordered, the Sun reported.