British Columbia wildfires force 18,000 evacuations as federal aid approved

OTTAWA — Wildfires in British Columbia have grown to roughly 25,000 acres and triggered the evacuation of about 18,000 people from Summerland and Peachland, the Canadian government said. A state of emergency is in effect across the province. Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski said on social media that Ottawa has approved British Columbia's request for federal assistance. Support is being coordinated through the Government Operations Centre under Public Safety Canada and directed to those in need, she added. The BC Wildfire Service reported that hot, dry conditions continued to drive the spread of fires in the south over the past 24 hours. Heavy smoke and reduced visibility are hampering helicopter operations, with ten night-capable aircraft working the blaze overnight. Crews have been reinforced by 34 personnel from Australia, five from New Zealand and 214 from Mexico, with additional international resources expected in the coming days, according to the service. No further details on containment were immediately available.