Canada to deploy armed forces in British Columbia to tackle fast-spreading fires

A view shows wildfires in Squilax, British Columbia, Canada August 18, 2023, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video X@AlpineLifer/via REUTERS

REVELSTOKE, British Columbia (Reuters) - Canada is sending armed forces to tackle fast-spreading wildfires in British Columbia, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Sunday, as the western province deals with flames that have put more than 35,000 people under evacuation order.

British Columbia declared a state of emergency and imposed a ban of non-essential travel to free up accommodations for evacuees and firefighters, and urged drone operators and others capturing images of the fires to stay clear of the rescue workers.