A state of emergency remains in effect for the entire province of British Columbia as wildfires burn out of control throughout most of the Cariboo region and the Interior.
Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Emergency Management BC, released a statement announcing a provincial state of emergency Friday night “to ensure a co-ordinated response to the current wildfire situation and to ensure public safety.”
There were 142 new wildfires reported yesterday. Many of those fires were caused by lightning, but a good number were also human-caused.
More Evacuations
Evacuation alerts and orders have been issued for Ashcroft, Cache Creek and Princeton.
These are in addition to the evacuation orders and alerts issued yesterday for 105 Mile House and 108 Mile House. The extended weather forecast is calling for continued hot, dry weather, with risks of thunderstorms in many parts of the province.
“The state of emergency gives agencies such as Emergency Management BC, the Fire Commissioner, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the RCMP authority under the Emergency Program Act to take every action necessary to fight the wildfires and protect residents and their communities,” the statement reads.
Vancouver Island Wildfires
There is currently one wildfire on Vancouver Island. It is under a hectare in size, near Copper Canyon. Authorities believe it was human caused.
The last time a provincial state of emergency was in effect was in 2003, also prompted by wildfires.
To report a wildfire or irresponsible behaviour call 1 800 663-5555 or *5555 from a cell phone. Keep up-to-date on the provincial wildfire situation: www.bcwildfire.ca
