THE Northwest Territories capital Yellowknife – home to about 20,000— and several other communities in the region were ordered to evacuate as firefighters struggle to contain more than 200 active wildfires.
The evacuation orders meant thousands of people drove hundreds of kilometers to escape the raging fires while others were forced to wait in long lines just to be airlifted to safety.
More than 50% of people living in Canada’s Northwest Territories have evacuated this week.
Americans bear the brunt of the raging infernos as smoke from the fires drifted to the United States, bringing harmful pollution and worsening air quality.
Meanwhile, the fast-moving wildfires urged the government of British Columbia to declare a province-wide state of emergency as of Friday evening.
Authorities advised people to be vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and avoid non-essential travel to central and southeast British Columbia to give firefighters space to fight the deadly blazes.
Thousands of people across Canada have been displaced in a matter of days as the country’s worst fire season on record showed no signs of easing.
