Canada province: 180 wildfires

Canada's British Columbia battles wildfires

British Columbia wildfires seen near 100 Mile House in British Columbia, Canada (BC Wildfire Service/REUTERS)

BRITISH COLUMBIA // A state of emergency has been declared by the Canadian province as it tackles over 180 wildfires.

An estimated 7,000 people had been forced from their homes. The fires have spread across hundreds of kilometres.

It is the first state of emergency declared by the province in 14 years.

The BC Wildfire Service said that the spread of the wildfires had been helped by the lightning, strong winds and high heat in the area.

The federal government says it is monitoring the situation closely and is ready to provide assistance upon request.

https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/883814401073184770

No deaths or injuries were reported and authorities are asking residents to take every precaution to stay safe.

Incoming provincial Premier John Horgan in a statement: "To those who have lost their homes and to those who are under evacuation order, I want to send my comfort at this difficult time."

"Whatever these wildfires throw at us, we will overcome it."

British Columbia experiences up to 2,000 wildfires a year but the most are contained within 24 hours.