B.C. declares state of emergency due to wildfires
Posted Aug 15, 2018 8:38 am.
Last Updated Aug 15, 2018 10:08 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The wildfire situation in B.C. is so bad, the provincial government has declared a state of emergency.
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth made the call, following a recommendation from the B.C. Wildfire Service. “Taking this step will further ensure we can protect the public, property and infrastructure, and assist with firefighting efforts.”
The state of emergency is initially in effect for 14 days, but it could be extended or rescinded.
The state of emergency applies to the whole province and ensures federal, provincial and local resources can be delivered in a co-ordinated response to protect the public, which remains the provincial government’s top priority,” reads a news release from the province.
As of Tuesday, there were 566 wildfires burning in B.C. Over 3,000 people were forced from their homes, under 29 evacuation orders. There were also 48 evacuation alerts, affecting nearly 19,000 people.
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More wildfires sparked over the weekend, with nearly 600 burning across B.C.
The weather isn’t expected to help the situation much. The forecast is calling for more hot and dry conditions, with a risk of thunderstorms in some parts of the province.
Right now, there are more than 3,300 crew members actively fighting fires in B.C. That includes more than 400 workers who have come here from other parts of Canada, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand.
On Monday, the federal government announced it is stepping up to help fight the fires.
The province says federal crew members and resources will be arriving in B.C. in the coming days.
