BC Wildfire Service makes short work of new blaze near Smithers
The B.C. Wildfire Service says a new wildfire discovered near Smithers this weekend was quickly snuffed out with the help of a pair of helicopters.
The service says "quick action" by the aircraft led to the fire being classified as held, and hours later, it declared the blaze out after successful helicopter bucketing.
It says the fire serves as a reminder for people to be cautious in B-C's backcountry, where fires are sparked by what it calls "unavoidable natural starts."
The wildfire service says more than half a dozen new wildfires were discovered over the weekend, with the number of blazes burning across the province hovering around 150.
It says wildfire personnel also marked a sombre anniversary on Saturday, observing a moment of silence to remember the death of 19-year-old Devyn Gale, a wildfire fighter who died in July 2023 after being hit by a falling tree.
The BC Wildfire dashboard website says more than 1.5 million acres have burned so far this year.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 14, 2024
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Downpour in Jasper National Park slows fires, but comes with warning
Parks Canada says a weekend drenching of rain on parts of Jasper National Park is doing a lot to quell fire activity, but the wet weather also comes with a warning.
Toronto police release new photo of man wanted for murder in deaths of two relatives
Toronto police have released a new photo of a 33-year-old man they are seeking in connection with the deaths of his two female relatives.
Arrests made after Mexican immigrants discovered working for company in Moose Jaw
A joint investigation between the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) and Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) led to the arrest of four immigrants from Mexico who were working in Saskatchewan illegally.
Sudbury-area cooking fire causes more than $200K damage to home
There were no injuries reported after a home on Montcalm Street in the Greater Sudbury community of Azilda sustained heavy damage in a fire.
Gun seized from man at festival in Hamilton, preventing 'tragedy': police
Hamilton police say officers arrested a 23-year-old man who allegedly brought a handgun at a festival in Hamilton where many gathered, including children, Saturday night, preventing a 'tragedy.'
OPINION The dark side of frugality: When saving becomes an obsession
Is being frugal pushing you over the edge? Personal finance contributor Christopher Liew explains some of the downsides of obsessive frugality and offers some tips on how to balance frugal living with living your daily life.
Japan thrashes Canada 55-28 to open Pacific Nations Cup
Up against Japan to open the Pacific Nations Cup tournament, Canada faltered early. Thirty-one minutes into the game, the Brave Blossoms held a 31-0 lead.
North Korean leader supervises test of 'suicide drones,' calls them crucial for war readiness
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised a demonstration of new “suicide drones” and pledged to spur the development of such weapons to boost his military’s war readiness, state media said Monday.
'This is our livelihood': Commercial dog walkers banned from Toronto park
A group of commercial dog walkers are voicing their frustration with a new policy that bans them from operating at a downtown Toronto dog park, saying their livelihoods are at stake.