Strong winds hamper B.C. firefighters

KELOWNA, British Columbia, July 19 (UPI) -- Firefighters in western British Columbia say blustery winds have made for tough going as they battle an outbreak of wildfires.

The fires in West Kelowna have destroyed at least three homes and forced around 11,000 people to evacuate, officials said.

While the damage to structures has been relatively light, officials say the situation remained dangerous late Sunday due to hot weather and strong winds that not only fan the flames but make it difficult for air tankers to operate.

"I was told by the provincial air tanker center that this is one of the most challenging flying conditions they have ever seen," fire information officer Elise Riedlinger told the Vancouver Sun. "It's so windy that the winds are coming from different directions, and it¹s so gusty."

Forests Minister Pat Bell this weekend told the Sun the Kelowna fire had the potential to be worse than a 2003 fire that destroyed more than 200 homes in the region.

Weather forecasters warned Sunday that hot weather and gusty winds would continue for the next few days.