Forest fires in British Columbia: investigations and evacuations

British Columbia is currently grappling with a series of forest fires deemed to be of criminal origin, primarily in the southern interior, reports Le Devoir.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is investigating a death that may be linked to one of these fires, including a large blaze near Summerland in the Okanagan region, sources from La Presse indicate.

Following the intensification of the flames, thousands of residents in Summerland have been forced to evacuate their homes urgently, according to Radio-Canada, facing an extreme and alarming situation.

A testimonial from a Quebec resident living in Summerland describes the evacuation as surreal, illustrating the shock experienced by the locals, according to Le Journal de Montréal.