Heavy wildfires are currently raging in many states and provinces in the western United States and Canada. In the western Canadian province of British Columbia, the fire now has a state of emergency – allowing authorities to order mass evacuations and set up protective facilities for those brought to safety.

“Critical point reached”

“We have reached a critical point,” warned Provincial Public Safety Secretary Mike Farnsworth. Authorities ordered another 5,700 people to leave their homes. Tens of thousands more were called in to prepare for similar possible orders. “Please prepare an evacuation plan for your family,” appealed to the people, Fire Chief Cliff Chapman.

3,000 square kilometers of land burned in British Columbia

Around 300 forest fires are engulfing the state and more than 3,000 firefighters are battling the flames. Officials expect the situation to worsen in the coming days – according to the weather forecast, it should remain hot and dry. According to Chapman, about 3,000 square kilometers of land have already been burned – an area almost three times more than normal at this time of year.

According to scientists, climate change is increasing drought in the region, leading to the spread of wildfires.

smoke over new york

Smoke from wildfires in the western United States and Canada has also covered the East Coast metropolis of New York in a gray haze. New York State’s Environment Agency has issued a health alarm due to an increase in particulate matter pollution.