21 Aug 2023

Thousands told to leave homes as wildfires rage in Canada

From Morning Report, 6:50 am on 21 August 2023

Thousands have been told to leave their homes in Canada as wildfires rage across the province of British Colombia.

Nearly 400 wildfires are raging across the province, and last night two huge blazes merged in the Shuswap region, destroying blocks of houses and other buildings.

Around 30,000 households have been told to evacuate, and travel to the waterside city of Kelowna has been restricted to ensure accommodation is available for evacuees and emergency workers.

Reporter Craig McCulloch spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.