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Fires scorch western Canada and US. Sparked by lightning and dry conditions, over 400
wildfires raged across Canada’s British Colombia province, consuming nearly 60,000
hectares by Sunday, August 1, with hundreds of firefighters working to contain them from
the ground and with helicopters and other equipment. Sadly, two responding pilots gave
their lives to the effort when their water-equipped plane lost control on Saturday evening near
the small town of Lytton. To the south in Oregon, USA, a wildfire known as the Rooster
Rock spread to nearly double its size by Wednesday, scorching 4,200 acres. Residents of 30 homes
had to evacuate, with another 70 houses on alert, as a building, shed, and families’
belongings were consumed. Temporary flight restrictions were implemented in the area
as crews worked to extinguish the blaze using helicopters and air tankers.
With our condolences to the loved ones of the brave pilots, we thank all Canadian and
US officials and fire personnel for your tireless efforts to ensure people’s safety in containing
the flames. With Heaven’s grace, may our more caring eco-stewardship alleviate such
dangerous events as these�