B.C. declares state of emergency due to wildfires

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – B.C.’s public safety minister has declared a provincial state of emergency, as wildfires continues to rage in many parts of the province.

Many community leaders and others across B.C. have been calling for this move. The state of emergency takes effect at midnight Wednesday.

“I am declaring a provincial state of emergency,” Minister Mike Farnworth told a news conference Tuesday afternoon. “This will address the potential for a mass evacuation scenario, and provide our government with the means to secure the accommodation spaces necessary to support evacuees.”

A provincial state of emergency gives the B.C. government the ability to use “extraordinary powers” where the minister can take steps to prevent, respond, or alleviate the effects of the fires.

“Does it unlock additional firefighting resources in terms of boots on the ground? No it does not,” Farnworth confirmed. “That is coordinated through the Interagency Fire Centre in Winnipeg. That’s already in place, and they have been supplying firefighters from out of province to us already.”

“In terms of our agreements on partnerships with firefighters from outside the province, they’re already in in place. In terms of the private sector, it would allow me for example to technically commandeer an aircraft or trucks, if that were required,” the minister added, noting the many resources have already been provided from the private sector.

Contact families so you have some place to go should the worst happen and you be evacutaed says @mikefarnworthbc of people living near fires.
If you can and have means, fire proof your community – trim trees, etc.#bcpoli @NEWS1130 #wildfire

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) July 20, 2021

Across B.C., there are nearly 300 wildfires burning. Many communities are under evacuation orders or alerts.

The BC Wildfire Service says there have been 1,145 blazes so far this season. They include 145 wildfires in the last seven days and 11 in the past 24 hours.

The fires have scorched 300,000 hectares of land across the province. That’s about three times more than the 10-year average for this time of year.

Asked why he is only now declaring a state of emergency, Farnworth said Tuesday his decision was based on advice from Emergency Management BC and the BC Wildfire Service.

“Based on the briefing that I had last night about the weather events that we’re facing and the potential for significant wind and dry lightning and and the potential for for extremely aggressive fires as a result of that, the decision was made to put in place the state of provincial emergency,” he said.

“That’s monitored on a day-by-day basis.”

Last week, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs joined the chorus of voices demanding the province declare a state of emergency, saying wildfires are disproportionately threatening First Nations communities.

When the premier was asked on Thursday why his government still hadn’t made the declaration, John Horgan maintained such a move was not necessary at that time.

“I’m absolutely prepared to call a state of emergency when it is required by those professionals that are putting their lives on the line to protect families, and property in British Columbia,” Horgan said Thursday.

More than 15,000 people signed an online petition in recent days, calling on the province to make this move.

Q some say you are acting now because ppl in Metro van are being affected – smoke and cottages@mikefarnworthbc says this not accurate.
Says 3000+ are fighting fires. As much as can be done has been done throughout.#bcpoli @NEWS1130 #wildfire

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) July 20, 2021

There has been a concern over a lack of space for evacuees, with the mayor of Oliver even asking visitors to leave room in local hotels for potential wildfire evacuees.

There are 13 evacuations centres across the province.

“While yes, they are full in Kamloops … there are lots of spaces in other parts of the province, for example, in Prince George,” Farnworth said.

“If we do have to have a significant evacuation taking place because if there are fires occur that cause that, then we’re going to we want to make sure that those spaces are there. This state of provincial emergency will in fact, ensure that takes place,” he he added.

Related articles:

• Firefighters hold South Okanagan wildfire away from homes

• Oliver visitors urged to leave room at hotels for potential wildfire evacuees

• Hundreds ordered to evacuate due fast-moving wildfire near Osoyoos

• Interior district pleads for help as wildfires blaze out of control

British Columbians in areas at risk of wildfires are urged to have an evacuation plan ready. That plan should include an emergency kit, as well as “grab and go” bag for yourself and your family. Officials recommend packing that bag with clothing, medications, water, food, important documents, and irreplaceable mementos.

Significant wind expected in Interior&SE BC which Chapman @BCGovFireInfo coincides with no rain forecast and lightening expected.
Message: "Please have an evacuation plan ready for your family" & would take his family out now if in an evacuation area#bcpoli @NEWS1130 #wildfire

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) July 20, 2021

With files from Lisa Steacy and Renee Bernard