184 active wildfires in province; 27 started yesterday alone
By Contributor
The Province is cautioning all British Columbians to be diligent with fire safety and report all wildfires toauthorities as 184 active fires are being fought across British Columbia with nine evacuation alerts and orders currently in effect, impacting over 800 homes.
Twenty-seven new fires started in B.C. yesterday, with extreme fire hazard rating in many areas, and hot and dry weather conditions continuing to present challenges to firefighting efforts. British Columbians are urged to be responsible and abide by all fire bans and evacuation orders until conditions change. Campfire bans have now been implemented across the province. Failure to abide by the Wildfire Act, including open burning restrictions, can result in a $345 fine. Anyone who causes damage to Crown forest or grassland through arson or recklessness can be fined up to $1 million or spend up to three years in prison.
Air quality status: If you see or smell smoke in the air, you’re encouraged to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially people with chronic underlying medical conditions. Staying indoors and in air conditioned spaces help to reduce fine particulate exposure. Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying respiratory conditions – like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – or heart disease. For information on current air quality readings in B.C. please visit www.bcairquality.ca
Supports for British Columbians impacted by wildfires: Emergency Social Services (ESS) support has been provided for over 200 people in B.C. due to the wildfires east of Kelowna and in Port Hardy. ESS is temporary public aid that provides up to 72 hours of essentials like lodging and food service, as well as emergency supplies and absolute necessities. Report all wildfires: Human-caused wildfires are preventable and the public is B.C.’s first line of defense against forest fires. Please be diligent when in the backcountry, and report all wildfires to 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on your mobile phone.
