Fires in British Columbia Threaten Residents

Residents of the Leighton area have started fleeing their homes again as unprecedented wildfires break out in British Columbia, Canada. Authorities in Leighton ordered the evacuation of 14 people late on Friday. Local official Nyakia Hanna told Reuters that by Sunday, the uncontrolled fire was only 300 meters from a reserve and had spread on a steep slope, hindering firefighting efforts. Hanna mentioned that a fire that broke out in 2021 destroyed a large portion of the nearby village, as well as administrative buildings and 41 homes. The region had hoped to begin reconstruction efforts this fall. Canada is experiencing an unprecedented wildfire season, with over 100,000 square kilometers burning, which is estimated to be four times the average area that catches fire during wildfire season.