Nanaimo news

• Winnipeg murder suspect arrested in Langley

  04-08-2026 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A man wanted in a 2024 Winnipeg murder was arrested in Langley on July 30.
  Tresor Horimbere, 24, was located and arrested while living here.
  The Winnipeg Police Service Homicide Unit was investigating the July 2024 homicide of Mohamed Yusuf Abdullahi, an amateur soccer star, in the parking lot of a Winnipeg soccer complex, where he had attended the Canada African Cup of Nations tournament.
  The Winnipeg Police said the shooting was targeted but did not say a possible motive.
  The arrest was led by
  
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• Cowichan Craft Beer and Food Festival returns with a taste of community

  04-08-2026 23:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Chemainus will once again transform into a summer festival destination next month as the Cowichan Craft Beer and Food Festival returns for another year, bringing together dozens of breweries, food vendors, musicians and community groups.
  Organized by the Chemainus Business Improvement Association (CBIA), the festival will take place Aug. 15 and is expected to draw thousands of visitors to the community.
  “We are the largest craft beer and food fest on the Island,” said Krystal Adams,
  
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• 2 from the Lower Mainland arrested in Fort St. John drug-trafficking investigation

  04-08-2026 22:26 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  RCMP say two people have been arrested in a northern B.C. drug-trafficking scheme that is alleged to be associated with organized crime groups.A 28-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man were arrested in connection with the investigation, B.C. RCMP said in a news release Tuesday (Aug. 4). The two have since been release while the investigation continues, police added.No charges have yet been approved.
  The release says that on July 30, Fort St. John RCMP’s street enforcement team began a drug
  
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• Estimated 230 homes destroyed by Bradley Creek fire near Vernon: Okanagan Chief

  04-08-2026 21:34 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) Chief Dan Wilson says an estimated 30 band members have lost their homes to the Bradley Creek wildfire, and an estimated 200 non-band members have also lost homes on the Westside.Wilson made the estimates during a press conference regarding the blaze Tuesday morning, Aug. 4, when milder conditions are allowing crews to get ahead of the flames, establishing control lines and performing further structure protection.The Bradley Creek wildfire near Vernon is currently an
  
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• Ontario tourist fined $230 in Oak Bay for cannabis use in parked vehicle

  04-08-2026 21:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  An Ontario visitor was fined $230 last week after Oak Bay police responded to a report of cannabis use at Trafalgar Park.
  Officers arrived at the park at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Monday (July 27) and located a parked vehicle with its engine running. Police noted the smell of cannabis coming from inside the cabin.
  According to police, the occupant stated they were visiting from Ontario, were unaware of local cannabis regulations, and did not intend to drive.
  The individual was issued a $230 vi
  
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• ‘Treepedo’: Officials share photo of smashed tree to show difficulty in returning to Boston Bar

  04-08-2026 21:28 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  BC Wildfire crews and other officials accessing the Fraser Canyon are encountering everything from downed power lines and poles, to “treepedos.”As Boston Bar residents hope to head home following the Brunswick Complex fire, the Fraser Valley Regional District used social media over the B.C. Day long weekend to explain why that may take more time and effort than anyone expected.To illustrate the difficulty, they shared an image of a tree smashed on Highway 1, calling it a treepedo.
  &l
  
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• Bradley wildfire burns several structures in Spallumcheen

  04-08-2026 21:18 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  At least two homes and two outbuildings have been lost in Spallumcheen due to the Bradley Creek wildfire.
  Despite the losses, wildfire crews’ strong efforts over the weekend have allowed the Township to shrink the Evacuation Order area and amend the alert areas.
  “Please be respectful of our residents that have lost homes and structures,” said Mayor Christine Fraser. “We are still confirming final numbers but have two confirmed homes lost and two confirmed outbuildings los
  
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• Bradley wildfire burns several structures in North Okanagan

  04-08-2026 21:18 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  At least two homes and two outbuildings have been lost in Spallumcheen due to the Bradley Creek wildfire.
  Despite the losses, wildfire crews’ strong efforts over the weekend have allowed the Township to shrink the Evacuation Order area and amend the alert areas.
  “Please be respectful of our residents that have lost homes and structures,” said Mayor Christine Fraser. “We are still confirming final numbers but have two confirmed homes lost and two confirmed outbuildings los
  
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• WOLF: You may just be able to taste parts of this column

  04-08-2026 21:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  In my ongoing efforts to be like Bill Nye the Science Guy, I’ve tried to get you to hear a column. I’ve tried to get you to smell a column (thankfully, no fart jars involved). I chewed a piece of 32-year-old hockey card gum.
  Now, I’m wondering if you can taste a column.
  While doing a little online weekend scrolling, one of my feeds popped up an old ad for Gatorgum. Remember that? Like Gatorade, only in handy gum form. No idea why the algorithm decided my brain wanted to remembe
  
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• 4 Greater Victoria courses crack Top 100 in Canada

  04-08-2026 21:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  It takes both breathtaking scenery and world-class design to remain a titan of Canadian golf, and Victoria Golf Club has always had both in spades.
  Now, it has once again been recognized among the country’s elite, as ScoreGolf ranked Victoria Golf Club (VGC) 14th in its 2026 Top-100 Golf Courses in Canada rankings. VGC led four Greater Victoria courses that earned spots on the biennial list: Royal Colwood placed 36th, Bear Mountain’s Valley Course came in at 62nd, and the Mountain Co
  
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• Calgary child drowns in Shuswap River in Enderby

  04-08-2026 21:10 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  During the heat of the afternoon of the long weekend, police responded to a drowning at W.J. Tuey Regional Park in Enderby.
  A missing nine-year-old child drew Vernon North Okanagan RCMP to the Shuswap River park on Waterwheel Street Monday, Aug. 3 at approximately 2:45 p.m.
  A family, visiting from Calgary, Alta., was spending the afternoon at the river when family members briefly lost sight of the child and it was presumed the child was under water and had failed to surface.As authorities were c
  
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• No return date yet for Village of Clinton evacuees

  04-08-2026 21:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nearly two weeks after the Village of Clinton was evacuated, there is still no estimated date of when evacuees will be able to return.
  The Village was evacuated on July 24 in response to the Pear Lake wildfire, which as of Tuesday (Aug. 4) was estimated at 115,250 hectares. The French Bar Creek wildfire west of Clinton was estimated at 37,106 hectares, while the Rim Lake wildfire to the east was estimated at 4,577 hectares. All three were listed as Out of Control.
  More than 1,800 properties in t
  
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• Celebrating Métis heritage and culture in Cowichan

  04-08-2026 20:32 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  “We must cherish our inheritance, and preserve our nationality for the youth of our future” —Louis Riel
  Vancouver Island Métis Rendezvous returns to Cowichan for a celebration of Métis culture, history, music, dance, and community at North Cowichan’s Cowichan Exhibition Park on Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  “Having this annual event means so much to the organization committee and board of directors who see it grow each year as we share and celebrate o
  
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• 15,000 people in B.C. under wildfire evacuation orders, alerts

  04-08-2026 20:13 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  B.C.’s Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene says evacuation orders and alerts over the last few days have been changing hourly amid a “dynamic” wildfire situation.
  As of 9 a.m. Tuesday (Aug. 4), there are 37 evacuation orders impacting approximately 8,000 people and 7,300 properties and 37 evacuation alerts impacting approximately 7,100 people and 3,800 properties, Greene said during a provincial update on wildfires.
  On Monday, Forests Minister Ravi Parmar welcomed more t
  
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• UPDATE: Air ambulance transports man with serious injuries after incident on highway near Nanaimo River Road

  04-08-2026 20:09 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE: In a press release issued just after noon on Tuesday, Aug. 4, Nanaimo RCMP said the southbound lanes on the Trans-Canada Highway, near Nanaimo River Road, will remain closed until at least 1:30 p.m. – the northbound lane has re-opened.
  A man, who was headed south, was seriously injured when his motorcycle was rear-ended by a sport utility vehicle. He was airlifted to hospital and the driver of the SUV, another man, was not injured.
  PREVIOUSLY POSTED: A person has suffered serious i
  
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• Air ambulance transports person after crash on Trans-Canada Highway near Nanaimo

  04-08-2026 20:09 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A person has suffered serious injuries and a highway south of Nanaimo closed after a motor vehicle incident today.
  Southbound lanes of Trans-Canada Highway at Nanaimo River Road, near WildPlay Nanaimo, are closed after a motorcycle and sport utility vehicle were involved in a motor vehicle incident at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4 according to reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson.
  Both southbound lanes and one northbound lane have been closed to traffic.
  “Traffic is ba
  
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• Air ambulance transports person after crash on Trans Canada Highway near Nanaimo

  04-08-2026 20:09 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A person has suffered serious injuries and a highway south of Nanaimo closed after a motor vehicle incident today.
  Southbound lanes of Trans-Canada Highway at Nanaimo River Road, near WildPlay Nanaimo, are closed after a motorcycle and sport utility vehicle were involved in a motor vehicle incident at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4 according to reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson.
  Both southbound lanes and one northbound lane have been closed to traffic.
  “Traffic is ba
  
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• Evacuation order expanded off Westside Road due to Bradley creek wildfire

  04-08-2026 20:04 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  An evacuation order for select properties affected by the Bradley Creek and Quilpituk wildfires has been expanded.
  The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) expanded the order for properties within Electoral Area B Tuesday, Aug. 4, due to challenges around available egress (exit) routes.
  The two active wildfires continue to impact the Westside Road area.
  “Issuing the evacuation order provides residents in need with additional Emergency Support Services (ESS) and safe travel through ar
  
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• Victim Services gives psychological first aid to Ladysmith community

  04-08-2026 19:56 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  On the worst days of people’s lives, she’s often the first call. For seven years, Catherine O’Donovan, the Ladysmith Victim Services manager has been the steady presence behind a program she has totally committed herself too and has essentially run alone, stretching every hour and every dollar to ensure victims never had to face the system by themselves.
  “We provide, on scene, trauma and crisis support to anybody that RCMP deems they need it or actually anyone in the comm
  
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• PHOTOS: Nanaimo B.C. Day event showcases patriotic drone display

  04-08-2026 19:56 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Over a thousand community members came out to the second public drone show in Nanaimo on Monday night.
  Hosted by Nanaimo-Lantzville MLA George Anderson on B.C. Day, the show followed an evening of activities including a barbecue, community information booths, and the outdoor screening of Pixar’s Coco (2017).Capping off the night, drones took to the sky, leaving audiences cheering as it spelled out messages and illustrated various images, many of which drew attention to Canadian and B.C. pr
  
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• WFP continues curtailment of mill operations in Cowichan Bay

  04-08-2026 19:51 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Western Forest Products (WFP) has announced the extension of their Cowichan Bay Sawmill curtailment until the fall.The move leaves 54 employees without work, said Brian Butler, president of United Steelworkers Local 1-1937. The Cowichan Bay workers join the 120 workers from the Chemainus Sawmill, who have been curtailed indefinitely since June 2025.“Beyond what WFP has advised about the Cowichan Bay Sawmill curtailment lasting through September, we have no information beyond that,” B
  
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• Extent of loss due to Big Bar fires becoming clearer

  04-08-2026 19:48 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A clearer picture is starting to emerge of the structures lost in the Village of Clinton and Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) Area “E” due to the Pear Lake and French Bar Creek wildfires.
  As of Tuesday (Aug. 4), the TNRD is reporting that 120 properties in the Village of Clinton and in TNRD Area “E” have been impacted by the fires, with structure loss on each of these properties. “Structure” could be a primary residence or an outbuilding, and the major
  
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• RCMP at Shambhala report 57 towed vehicles, 78 drug-impaired driving files, and hundreds of tickets

  04-08-2026 19:35 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  BC Highway Patrol has the latest stats on drug impaired driving, vehicles being towed and traffic tickets from this year’s Shambhala Festival, held July 24 to 27, 2026.
  Last year, RCMP issued 800 tickets, 83 drug-impaired driving investigations or suspensions, and roughly 60 vehicles being towed.
  This year, the numbers are lower, but police are still concerned that too many festival-goers are choosing to drive while impaired.
  With over 50,000 people attending the festival, and police reso
  
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• Hazy skies loom over Southern Vancouver Island as wildfire smoke drifts in

  04-08-2026 18:48 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Greater Victoria folks woke up to hazy skies Tuesday morning (Aug. 4) as wildfire smoke drifted through the region.
  Smoke from the interior of B.C. and Washington is forecast to linger over the region until the early hours of Thursday morning (Aug. 6), which is as far as the predictor firesmoke.ca projects.
  The smoke is expected to make its way up the Island as far as Courtenay.
  The firesmoke.ca program shows interactive forecasts of hourly and daily averages and daily maximum concentrations of
  
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• Missing man’s body found in Vernon

  04-08-2026 18:07 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A 40-year-old reported missing last week has been found deceased.
  A member of the public located an abandoned white pick-up truck near Silver Star Road in Vernon on Aug. 3.Police attended to the scene and determined the vehicle was associated to an active missing person investigation.With the assistance of the RCMP Police Dog Services, the body of the 40-year-old man, who was reported missing on July 30, was located a short distance away.No criminality is suspected in the man’s death, and
  
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• UPDATE: Quilpituk Creek wildfire grows to 742 hectares

  04-08-2026 14:51 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE: 10: a.m.
  The Quilpituk Creek wildfire is now estimated to be 742 hectares.There has been no change to evacuation orders or alerts.ORIGINAL
  The Quilpituk Creek wildfire along Westside Road continues to burn on Tuesday morning, Aug. 4.
  On Monday, the blaze experienced significant growth, said BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) on Monday night. BCWS, along with crews from all Central Okanagan fire departments, has been battling the blaze, which currently sits at an estimated 565 hectares in size.
  T
  
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• All evacuation orders, alerts remain in place at 565-hectare Quilpituk Creek wildfire

  04-08-2026 14:51 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Quilpituk Creek wildfire along Westside Road continues to burn on Tuesday morning, Aug. 4.
  On Monday, the blaze experienced significant growth, said BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) on Monday night. BCWS, along with crews from all Central Okanagan fire departments, has been battling the blaze, which currently sits at an estimated 565 hectares in size.
  Throughout the night and into Tuesday morning, BCWS’s night vision systems worked to continue to tank hot spots, cool more active sections of
  
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• Man with Cystic Fibrosis urges active lifestyle on Island cycle-run tour

  04-08-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Trekking down Vancouver Island on an awareness-fundraising run, Darren Kerr wants people to know running and cycling can mitigate the effects of cystic fibrosis.
  Diagnosed with the genetic disease, which produces thick mucus leading to lung damage, when he was three months old, Kerr is nearing the end of an 11-day trek which started in Port Alberni on July 22. He is raising awareness and research money for the disease and had to adjust on the fly after suffering a foot injury, he notified follow
  
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• Bradley Creek Wildfire remains 2,603 hectares in size after little growth found

  04-08-2026 14:23 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  After a day of cooler temperatures and calm conditions, the Bradley Creek wildfire showed “no significant growth” on B.C. Day, according to BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).
  In the latest update from BCWS said crews have been working on the north and south flanks of the blaze to mop up hot spots around homes in community areas. Meanwhile, structure protection and defence crews have continued to extinguish hotspots near homes along Westside Road and have remained onsite conducting roving pa
  
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• Alberni Valley Rescue Squad called to Hole in the Wall twice in three days

  04-08-2026 09:08 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Volunteer search and rescue members were called to Hole in the Wall twice in three days over the August long weekend to rescue injured hikers.
  On Saturday, Aug. 1 Alberni Valley Rescue Squad volunteers responded to an injured hiker. Bystanders called 911, and AVRS was dispatched to assess the hiker.
  “This person was transported by stretcher to the waiting BC EHS (ambulance) crew,” volunteer AVRS volunteer Amèlie Duquette said.
  The squad was called out again Monday, Aug. 3 for
  
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• UPDATE: Investigators deploy to Chilliwack after 2 planes collide mid-air

  04-08-2026 07:52 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE (Aug. 4): A team of investigators from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has been deployed to Chilliwack after a mid-air crash involving two planes on Monday (Aug. 3).
  According to a deployment notice from the TSB on Tuesday (Aug. 4), the collision involved two Cessna 172 aircraft near Chilliwack Airport.
  Investigators will gather information and assess the incident after arriving Tuesday afternoon, the release reads.
  The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, m
  
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• Evacuations lifted in Spallumcheen as Bradley Creek wildfire progress achieved

  04-08-2026 06:24 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Strong efforts of wildfire crews today on the Bradley Creek blaze led to the amendment of evacuation order and alert areas.
  The evacuation order area has shrunk considerably and some alert areas are rescinded as of Monday evening, Aug. 3 (see maps for updates).
  Properties that were on evacuation alert earlier today remain on alert.
  “We are still asking people to refrain from entering evacuation order areas as crews continue to work addressing hazards,” the Township of Spallumcheen ad
  
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• BC Wildfire reports ‘no significant growth’ on Bradley Creek wildfire

  04-08-2026 06:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Bradley Creek wildfire burning west of Vernon did not see any substantial growth on Monday, Aug. 3, according to BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).The human-caused fire sparked July 31 and has since grown to an estimated 2,603 hectares.BCWS continues to work alongside the Okanagan Indian Band Fire Department actioning the blaze.Crews and heavy equipment are working on the south and north flanks of the fire, also conducting mop up on hotspots close to homes.Structure protection will also remain on t
  
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• City of Armstrong lifts evacuation alert from Bradley Creek wildfire

  04-08-2026 05:40 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The evacuation alert for properties in Armstrong have been lifted.The city issued a notice at 8:15 p.m. that the 14 addresses previously on alert are no longer considered to be threatened by the Bradley Creek Wildfire burning southeast of the city.The City of Armstrong Emergency Operations Services remains activated to monitor fire activity and communicate with partner agencies.The Bradley Creek wildfire sparked on July 31 and has since grown to 2,603 hectares.
  
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• Okanagan Indian Band issues ‘Do not consume’ water advisory due to fire

  04-08-2026 04:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Bradley Creek wildfire has wreaked havoc on Okanagan Indian Band land and a do not consume water advisory was issued in some areas on Aug. 3.The advisory has been put in place for Okanagan Indian Band Systems Six Mile/Bradley Creek/Irish Creek/Head of the Lake Community Water System (DWS #429) and 59 Antoine Road Community Water System (DWS #2391).Bottled water should be used for drinking, brushing teeth, cooking, food washing and preparation, pet water, making coffee or other beverages, and
  
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• Victoria crash involving ambulance sends 2 to hospital

  04-08-2026 03:20 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Two people were taken to hospital in stable condition after a crash involving a car and an ambulance in Victoria on Aug. 2.
  A spokesperson for BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) told Saanich News they received a call about the collision at the intersection of Bay and Blanshard streets at 5:50 p.m. and dispatched four ambulances to the scene.
  Paramedics transported two people involved in the crash to hospital in stable condition.
  BCHES said the ambulance was transporting a patient at the time o
  
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• 4 Vancouver Island beaches listed among top 10 in Canada

  04-08-2026 03:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Rathrevor Beach in Parksville has been named one of Canada’s top five beaches, for the second year in a row.
  Research by Spin Casino compared visitor ratings, reviews and mentions of the words “beautiful”, “clean”, “peaceful” and “romantic” to find out which beaches in Canada offer the best overall experience, according to a news release.
  Home to a sandy beach that at low tide stretches nearly 1.5 kilometres out into the Strait of Georgia, Ra
  
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• More than 100 Mexican wildfire personnel arrive in B.C.

  04-08-2026 00:07 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Wildfire crews from Mexico arrived in B.C. Monday to help in the ongoing fights against the more than 100 wildfires burning across the province.Forests Minister Ravi Parmar helped welcomed more than 100 Mexican wildfire personnel at Abbotsford International Airport Monday, Aug. 3, a statement from the ministry says. Another 200-plus personnel are set to arrive later in the week.“They’ve travelled from their homes to help us protect ours amidst a challenging wildfire season. As Britis
  
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