Kelowna, British Columbia
A forest fire with flames 400 feet high raced toward the town of Kelowna in British Columbia last week, forcing 30,000 people to evacuate their homes. It was the quickest major evacuation in Canada’s history, and the largest. The Okanagan Mountain forest fire burned so hot it caused houses to explode, and reduced entire blocks in one suburb to flat, smoldering ruins. At its peak, the wildfire advanced 100 yards per minute. It destroyed 250 homes before shifting winds slowed it down. “The devastation is incredible,” said Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, who inspected the damage from the air.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
The elite falcon trade in the Middle EastUnder the Radar Popularity of the birds of prey has been ‘soaring’ despite doubts over the legality of sourcing and concerns for animal welfare
-
A running list of the international figures Donald Trump has pardonedin depth The president has grown bolder in flexing executive clemency powers beyond national borders
-
Mixed nuts: RFK Jr.’s new nutrition guidelines receive uneven reviewsTalking Points The guidelines emphasize red meat and full-fat dairy
