B.C. extends state of emergency for second time over wildfires

VICTORIA – The British Columbia government has extended a state of emergency declared in response to the raging wildfires that have devastated numerous areas of the province’s Interior.

A wildfire is seen from a Canadian Forces Chinook helicopter as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau views areas affected by wildfire near Williams Lake, B.C., on Monday July 31, 2017. British Columbia is experiencing its most destructive wildfire season in 60 years.Kevin Skrepnek of the BC Wildfire Service says 4,910 square kilometres of forest, brush and grassland have been torched, making this year the second worst in recorded history in terms of land lost. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

This is the second time Premier John Horgan’s government has extended the declaration and this latest extension will run until Aug. 18.

The measure ensures the delivery of federal, provincial and local resources are co-ordinated and public safety is maintained.

Related: State of emergency continues as wildfires affect interior B.C.

It also means more than the 7,000 people displaced due to evacuation orders will continue to receive $600 per household in funding for every 14 days they’re kept out of their homes.

The state of emergency was first issued on July 7 and extended ahead of the first two-week deadline of July 21.

The province says there are 122 wildfires burning with 25 evacuation orders and 42 evacuation alerts posted, telling people that they have to prepare to leave at a moment’s notice.

Jason Contant

Jason has been an award-winning journalist with Canadian Underwriter for more than a decade, including the past three years as associate editor and, before that, as digital editor for seven years.