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Aug 24, 2023 5:55 PM - The Canadian Press

Heavy rains in the south of British Columbia helped crews control the blaze

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Wildfires have wreaked havoc in BC's southern interior, forcing about 25,000 people to evacuate their homes. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

The Okanagan and Shuswap areas of British Columbia received heavy rainfall on Wednesday.

BC Wildfire Service information officer Forrest Tower says about 20 millimeters of rain has fallen in the past day, which has helped the firefighters in fighting the blaze.

Firefighters battling the McDougall Creek wildfire near Kelowna say the fire is coming under control due to last night's showers.

Wildfires have wreaked havoc in BC's southern interior, forcing about 25,000 people to evacuate their homes.

Tower says the Bush Creek East fire in the Shuswap area remains the state's top priority wildfire and 150 more firefighters will arrive on site today to battle the blaze.

The McDougall Creek Wildfire in West Kelowna is estimated at 12,270 hectares.

On the other hand, the Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Bowinn Ma said that the travel ban for West Kelowna remains intact.

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