By: Thomas I. Likness
EBC News Service

(Eagle News) — Record-breaking temperatures are baking Western Canada in a life threatening heat wave that has played a role in more than two dozen deaths in British Columbia.

“In a 24 hour period since Monday, Burnaby RCMP has responded to more than 25 sudden death calls,” Corporal Michael Kalanj said Tuesday in a release.” Although still under investigation, heat is believed to be a contributing factor in the majority of the deaths.”

Kalanj added many of the deceased were seniors.

He urges people to check on their neighbors, family and seniors they know to make sure they are safe.

“We are seeing this weather can be deadly for vulnerable members of our community, especially the elderly and those with underlying health issues,” Kalanj said. “It is imperative we check on one another during this extreme heat.”

The high temperatures extend eastward, heating up the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

In parts of the interior of B.C., the mercury climbed as high as 44 C or 111 F.

Across Alberta and Saskatchewan, temperatures were in the mid- to high 30s.

People in all three provinces are being told to take this heat wave seriously, and to stay out of the sun, keep activity at a minimum and drink plenty of water.

Doctors warn that heat stroke can follow untreated heat exhaustion.

They say it can happen with little or no warning.

The high temperatures also have forestry officials in all three provinces worried about wildfires in tinder-dry forests.

Temperatures are expected to moderate later this week in B.C.

But the Prairies will remain in an oven until sometime next week.
(Eagle News Service)