Prime Minister Stephen Harper thanks B.C., Saskatchewan fire crews

Prime Minister Stephen Harper travelled to British Columbia's fire-ravaged B.C. Interior to personally thank emergency crews who have battledstubborn blazes forweeks across B.C. and Saskatchewan.

"I just want to take the opportunity ... to thank all of the firefighters and all of the first responders who have been working so hard all throughthe summer," Harper told reporters near Kelowna, B.C., where a wildfire continues to grow.

The prime minister, who was joined by B.C. Premier Christy Clark, shook hands withfire crew members before speaking briefly to reporters.

"We know these are tough and sometimes dangerous jobs and these efforts really are appreciated by everybody."

Fire post-mortem

Harper promised that once the fires are contained, federal officials will take a second look at firefightingefforts in B.C. and Saskatchewan.

"When the dust settles, so to speak on all of this, we're obviously going to sit down and assess what new or different needs to be done in the future, what we can do in terms of co-ordination, better co-ordination of resources,mitigation."

Harper saidthe fire containment efforts in Saskatchewan and B.C. were well co-ordinated.

"Meantime, we'll get these fires put out and we'll look at what has to be done in the future."

The Westside Road wildfireburning near West Kelownacontinues to growdespite increased resources.

Thereare now 60 firefighters, four helicopters and four pieces of heavy equipment fighting the fire, which increased to 460 hectares from 430 overnight.

Despite the fire's growth, crews say they're making progress.

Homes threatened

Last night the crews appeared to be focusing their efforts on the southern flank of the fire, which is threatening the 70 lakesidehomes on Westside Roadthat are on evacuation order.

Steep terrain and dry conditions continue to challengefirefightingefforts.

BC Hydro said 1,100 homes continue to be without power. However, it will provide 900 of themwith six hours of poweron a rotating basis from a different circuit.

The firefighters might get some relief, as the weather forecast calls forrain in Kelowna over the weekend. But the hot, dry conditions are expected to return by Monday.

A smoky skies advisory remains in effect forthe Okanaganareas. People with heart or lung conditions may be more susceptible to the effects of smoke, which may include difficulty breathing and chest pain.