Global National: Aug. 20, 2023 | Canada Task Force 1 arrives in Kelowna to help with BC wildfires

In tonight's top story: Canada Task Force One has arrived in central Okanagan, B.C., to help assess the damage after many homes have been lost to wildfires. Nearly 500 firefighters from across the province and beyond continue to do the work needed to save homes. Richard Zussman has the latest.

In B.C.'s Shuswap region, two out-of-control fires have merged, spanning an estimated 41,000 hectares and the situation is changing quickly. Elissa Carpenter has the details.

With hundreds of fires burning throughout B.C., the drifting smoke is shrouding much of the province — including the densely populated lower mainland region. The air quality health index lists the hazy conditions as a moderate risk. Peter Quinlan reports.

In the Northwest Territories, more than 200 fires are burning. The remoteness of the northern region means it's not only hard to get people out, but information as well. As Jeff Semple explains, getting correct information is harder than it should be.

The Danish and Dutch governments have confirmed that they will donate up to 61 fighter jets to Ukraine. It has hoped the jets will eventually give Ukraine air superiority in its fight against Russia. But as Redmond Shannon reports, the fighters are unlikely to have an impact on the war anytime soon.

In the Northwest Territories, much of the town of Enterprise was destroyed by flames and everyone was ordered to get out. It's not advised, but some stayed behind. Despite the hardship, the people in this little community have big hopes to rise from the ruins. Jayme Doll spoke to one couple who took matters into their own hands trying to save homes.

#GlobalNews #GlobalNational

[johnarnold]

Why do reporters ask people who have just lost everything, "How do you feel" It's like the have no morals.

[reganung]

Canada .We love you all . May God stay with you all and protect you all . From America .

[lava]

Gosh! Firefighters fight for 36 hours! Enormous effort to stop the disaster! God Bless All of YOU!!!!

[lh]

May God bless the firefighters and keep them safe! 💗🙏🏻

[RahimLadhajuma]

Truly grateful to first Responders, Canadian Forces etc. Coordination, the news and swift evacuation has been so key 👌🏼All the best🇨🇦

[matthew]

0:34 "Banning Canadian news on social media" is a weird spin.
If a store stops carrying a product because it is too expensive, we don't say that the store is "banning" that product.
If social media isn't working for you, stop using it.

[mapletibits]

Best of luck to those who have suffered losses and lost their homes and livedoid. And thank you for the firefighters and all the emergency personnel for being there at the frontline and fighting the hard fight.

[whynot]

My heart breaks for everyone out there. We just experienced something here in Nova Scotia similar but to a lesser degree, and our hearts and prayers are with you. When the rain finally came here, Bittersweet tears followed. I hope you all can feel the same relief soon. Much love from the east coast to residents and the many brave first responders. ❤

[jandl]

This is such a huge tragedy. There's no words to express how sorry many of us feel for all involved.

[MshAhmxiO]

Global News here's some info I came across: "That fire was called in by a woman when it was just a little puff of smoke and she was told that they had to figure out whose jurisdiction it was before they could do anything about it. She watched it burn for two days until it became the beast that is now consuming Kelowna." Is this what happened in Kelowna?

[MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

The mental toll on all these people involved in these fire disasters is difficult to process so quickly. I tear up listening to the people who lost everything. My heart hurts thinking of what hardship these people are going through. We look for ways to support these people, even from us from so far away.

[WarriorGramma]

How are you feeling? What a stupid question.

[a.edgington]

So Sorry for everyone having to go through this turmoil my heart goes out to you all be safe strong God bless to you all.

[Oliver]

I am really impressed by the couple who fought with the fire by themself. In China, there is a proverb: Encounter on a narrow road, the brave wins. Good luck ! God helps those who help themselves.

[heatherthomson]

They could make it rain in Vietnam in the early 60's for weeks yet wont use their weather modification to save lives. We see their spraying daily to make it so hot with heavy metals. Its by design....

[viviansdoey]

Many assume they're the only ones needing help... well... firefighters are only human and no one can predict when a firew will break out or where...

[Coldbird]

We can put multiple satellites in space, we have space trips, but we don't have new ways to fight uncontrolled fires

[viviansdoey]

May God's great hand be on those amazing Fire fighters....

[E-MythGroup]

The reason the Martin mars is not used is because it's more effecting and costs less money to use the little skimmer planes. There is no metric that the mars beats a group of this little planes on and that's why it's not used. People advocating for it don't do enough quality research to find the real reasoning, if they did, they'd be happy to see those skimmers. By the time the mars finds a lake long enough to land on in BC (there are only a few) and travels back, those skimmers already made 4 or 5 drops, dropping more water with much better acuracy than the mars.

[HP-wsvx]

I was driving back through there, the efforts by construction and fire fighters were impressive to behold. Reservoirs being built and roads being created left and right. Also residents were incredibly prepared with their own auxiliary water storage containers by the road side. Terrifying and saddening, but also inspiring.