China
11:21, 11-Jul-2017
More than 200 wildfires burning in Canada
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Firefighters in Canada are battling more than 200 wildfires burning in British Columbia, with dozens of buildings destroyed, including several homes and two airport hangars.
The three biggest fires, which have grown in size to range from nine to 19 square miles (23 to 49 square kilometers), forced thousands of people to flee.
Emergency officials said about 40,000 hectares have burned across the province since April 1, with most of the damage caused in recent days.
They noted that thick smoke makes it difficult to accurately estimate the size of many of the current blazes.
Those battling the flames are at the mercy of weather conditions when it comes to bringing the fires under control. Hot and dry conditions are expected to continue over the next few days, along with lightning.
A campfire ban has been enacted across the province and many provincial parks have been closed.
Provincial officials said that out of the 572 fires started in British Columbia during this current wildfire season, 258 were caused by people.