Air quality statements remain in place across Western Canada as wildfires rage
CTV
Air quality statements continue to blanket much of British Columbia and the Prairie provinces as scores of wildfires rage across the region.
Air quality statements continue to blanket much of British Columbia and the Prairie provinces as scores of wildfires rage across the region.
More than 19,500 people in Alberta had been forced from their homes as of Tuesday evening. Ninety-one active wildfires were burning in the province, with 28 listed as out of control as of Wednesday afternoon.
People forced to flee two weeks ago from the Drayton Valley area 145 kilometres southwest of Edmonton have been allowed to return.
"It's a huge relief, and we're just so thankful that our home is still standing and that everyone is OK," said Jade Verheul, who had to quickly leave with her children on May 4.
Verheul said she was lucky to have a place to go because her parents have an RV lot in Seba Beach, west of Edmonton.
She knows, however, that not all her neighbours have a home to go back to.
"Our hearts go out to all the people that had to be away from their families during this stressful time to help fight the fires," Verheul said in a message.
