Canadian firefighters prevent more wildfire losses and step up defense of territorial capital

By ROB GILLIES and JIM MORRIS
Associated Press

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Canadian firefighters prevented wildfires from destroying more structures in a scenic region of British Columbia and stepped up their defense of a territorial capital threatened by flames. Authorities on Monday also said the prospect of rain raised hopes for the effort to contain the blazes. Fire Chief Jason Brolund said fire crews made more progress in the West Kelowna area known as a summer destination for families. He reported no new property losses in the previous 24 hours and said the biggest challenge now is the region’s poor air quality. Elsewhere, firefighters battling a wildfire near Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories, shifted from defense to offense.