How are the B.C. wildfires impacting you?

Sunday on Cross Country Checkup:  Fleeing the flames of B.C.'s wildfires. More than two weeks since the first flames flared up in B.C., over 100 wildfires continue to rage throughout the province. After the flames die down, what's next for B.C. residents?

It's been over two weeks since the first flames flared up in B.C. - sparks that quickly exploded into wildfires so widespread that over 40,000 people have been forced to flee their homes. As the displaced sought refuge in any safe haven, many are still in crowded evacuation centres and over 4,000 firefighters have been called upon to battle the flames.

Yesterday brought some welcome news - evacuation orders were lifted for residents of Princeton and 100 Mile House, but tens of thousands still can't return home. Today, there are 152 fires still burning throughout the province. Nine of them started just yesterday. 

Premier John Horgan has extended the state of emergency for two more weeks and announced more funds for evacuees. Fire officials warn the threat is far from over. All eyes are on the weather as conditions remain tinder-dry throughout B.C. and strong winds expected today could spread the wildfires.

After the flames die down, what's next for B.C. residents? For those making their way back to razed or unrecognizable homes, what will it take to clean up and rebuild?

The larger question being asked beyond B.C.'s borders are catastrophic wildfires the new normal? Remember, just last year, fire tore through Fort McMurray, Alta. forcing more than 90,000 people to flee causing billions of dollars of damage. As summers become hotter and drier than ever before, is Canada doing enough to address the threat, the intensity of growing wildfires? How are fires impacting our health and our economy? What more should cities and towns do to be fire-ready?

Our question this week: How are the B.C. wildfires impacting you?
 

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