A state of emergency was extended today in Canada's western province of British Columbia, where thousands of firefighters have been battling wildfires for months. The announcement marks the fourth time the state of emergency has been renewed in the province since it was issued on July 7. The order allows for the mobilisation of firefighting resources and the mandatory evacuation of citizens where fires are encroaching on residential areas.<br/><br/>British Columbia has experienced its worst wildfire season ever, as temperatures have soared and precipitation remained unusually low.<br/><br/>Most of the 50,000 people who were forced to flee have been able to return to their homes, but 3,600 are still subject to evacuation orders.<br/><br/>Some 600 firefighters, 30 helicopters and 89 pieces of heavy machinery for moving dirt have been deployed to battle the Plateau fire, said the wildfire service.