Global National: July 20, 2024 | Wildfires rage across western Canada as heat wave lingers

Global News
Global News
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Published 2024-07-20
After a relatively slow start to the wildfire season, things in western Canada are heating up. As temperatures soar across much of the region with a lingering heatwave blanketing almost half the country, dozens of blazes are being sparked and putting thousands at risk. Catherine Urquhart has more on the escalating wildfire emergency.

British Columbia is currently the epicentre of Canada's wildfire fight, with more than 300 wildfires burning on Saturday. More than half are considered out of control, with around 80 starting in just the past day. The Shetland Creek Wildfire in B.C.'s central interior is one of the most dangerous currently burning in the province. Aaron McArthur has the details.

After warnings that the tentative agreement reached yesterday between the LCBO and the union representing its workers might collapse, both sides are now saying they have signed off on a return-to-work protocol. In a Saturday statement, the Crown agency said that all unionized employees would return to work on Monday and stores would be open to shoppers on Tuesday, pending ratification. Sean O’Shea reports.

Plus, internal documents obtained by Global News are shedding new light on the federal government's recent moves to decrease the number of temporary immigrants. Among those measures was the return of a visa requirement for Mexican nationals, following a surge of asylum claims coming from that country. As Touria Izri explains, the documents show how that issue also quickly became a problem for U.S.-Canada relations.

In Rome, ancient history met modern-day heat as tourists sought refuge from scorching temperatures by going underground. Europe has been sweltering under an unprecedented heatwave this week with temperatures soaring to record highs in some regions, and communities across Europe have found creative ways to cope with the heat, amid growing concerns over climate change. Neetu Garcha reports.

And finally, as the Olympic flame is set to be lit in Paris for the Olympic Games in a week's time, many are questioning whether the real-world conflicts of Ukraine and Gaza will overshadow the competitive spirit of the games. Nathaniel Dove takes a closer look at the delicate balance between celebrating human achievement and navigating the complexities of global politics.

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All Comments (21)
  • @Chewbizzness
    It’s almost like this story keeps playing every year lol
  • @jasonday4658
    "Annual Saskatchewan Weather Breakdown" - 6 months of freezing weather, 3 months of rain/wind/cloud, 3 months of wildfire smoke. Living in Canada is truly awesome.... If you are considering moving to Saskatchewan, do your research......
  • @hartley_wesgate
    So sad this is happening again. Very concerned for communities threatened by this. Air quality in AB is terrible. The heat wave is suffocating. Nevertheless, heat and air quality can be coped with. Threat from fire is far more treacherous.
  • @justincase6588
    Global News should be congratulated on their Comments Policy. I cannot understand what CBC is afraid of. No matter what is being covered their viewers cannot comment or exchange ideas. Thank you Global, your journalist integrity is strong and appreciated.
  • @nononsenseBennett
    How ironic: A town surrounded by fire with a fast flowing water source at the ready to pump onto dwellings yet nothing of the sort is being done. This is truly ridiculous.
  • @suztjembijawatson3362
    Over 50 years ago, people were trying to tell forest services that annual burning was necessary for the forests survival and growth. That by putting out the smaller fires, they were creating a recipe for disaster as old growth is not cleared naturally and will build up over time. Guess what? It has built up over time. It's called forestry mismanagement. Sad but not unpredictable and no, the cause is not the oil and gas industry. 🙄
  • @harmony331000
    I have no a/c and this heat wave is suffocating right now in Alberta and as of today there’s tons of wildfire smoke too so you don’t want to open everything up with toxic air coming inside but you have to get the house cooled off in the evening …it’s freakin’ brutal, hard to keep up with a good mood and relief is still too far away🥵🥵🥵I feel for the animals and seniors and homeless folks right now, stay safe everyone, the last time the heat and smoke situation was like this my dad passed away from it due to lung issues, this is no small thing on our bodies✌️
  • @user-qz8rq7nr5s
    Why are people not being taught how to put fires out properly ? Every one knows how to light a fire ,but most don’t even have a way to carry water to put out a fire !
  • @matti8894
    Arson. They busted a serial arsonist in Coldstream, BC who set 7 fires and charged him with Mischief.
  • @themooseface
    pretty hard to feel safe anywhere in the bc interior anymore. can you even get insurance for wild fire anymore?
  • @JTDPM
    It's almost as though every year that goes by in which we don't properly manage our forests, the fires get worse.
  • @Machoman-mp3hm
    Its going for more than 20 years and the country is short on water aiplanes , but sent billions to Ukraine.
  • @Diademic111
    the season of arson is off to a good start I see