Provincial state of emergency declared over wildfires

The B.C. government has declared a provincial state of emergency due to the growing number of wildfires and no relief in sight from the weather.

Solicitor general and public safety minister Mike Farnworth says the declaration will address the potential for a mass evacuation scenario and allow the government to secure enough accommodations to house the evacuees.

The state of emergency will take effect at midnight tonight.

“This measure will ensure the province can do what is necessary moving forward,” Farnworth said.

Cliff Chapman from the BC Wildfire Service said there has been 1,145 fires this season, a significant increase in activity compared to the average and 11 new fires in the last 24 hours.

About 500 more staff are expected to join the firefighting and support efforts over the next ten days.

There are currently 299 active fires in B.C. with 116 in the Kamloops Fire Centre.

Chapman said a new system coming from the U.S. is expected to bring significant wind to the southeast and interior of the province over the next few days which will cause challenges to fire control lines and an increase in fire behaviour.

Everyone is encouraged to have an evacuation plan for their family.