Mexican Crews Join Fight as BC Wildfire Forces 20,000 to Flee
About 100 Mexican firefighters are set to join efforts against a deadly British Columbia wildfire that has displaced 20,000 people and claimed one life.
Around 100 firefighters from Mexico are expected to arrive on Tuesday to assist in battling a deadly wildfire in western Canada that has forced 20,000 people from their homes, according to officials.
The blaze, which has scorched roughly 156 square kilometers near Okanagan Lake, has already claimed the life of an 80-year-old woman. The fire is advancing toward Summerland, a town of about 12,000 people located roughly 300 kilometers east of Vancouver.
Hugh Murdoch of the British Columbia Wildfire Service described the operation as a "monumental task," citing steep terrain and hot, dry conditions. He noted that burning embers are igniting new spot fires beyond the main perimeter, making direct attack difficult for ground crews.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have launched a criminal investigation into the fire's cause, which started on Friday. Authorities confirmed the victim died in Meadow Valley, west of Summerland, while attempting to evacuate.
Numerous homes have been destroyed, though officials say dangerous conditions have so far prevented a full damage assessment. Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes warned residents not to expect a quick return, urging the community to prepare for significant losses.
Across British Columbia, about 100 wildfires are currently burning, with nearly half classified as out of control. The wildfire service has also issued warnings about a heightened risk of new lightning-sparked fires in the province's central Interior and Okanagan regions.