NEW - British Columbia has declared a provincial State of Emergency connected to the ongoing wildfires. #bcpoli #bcfires
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says he received a briefing last night showing winds and weather that could lead to an increase in evacuations. #bcpoli #bcfires
BC has now called states of emergencies linked to fires in 2003, 2017, 2018 and 2021. #bcfires #bcpoli
Local officials, residents and the BC Liberals have been calling for state of emergency for two weeks now. The government previously said it wasn't needed. #bcfires #bcpoli
500 additional staff will come over the next 10 days to help fight the fires. The BC Fire says the control lines will be challenged, says a wind warning has gone out. #bcfires #bcpoli
BC Wildfire Service says people living the fire zones need to have evacuation plans in place.
Cliff Chapman - "I would be taking my people out if I was on an evacuation order." #bcpoli #bcfires
Cliff Chapman - "I would be taking my people out if I was on an evacuation order." #bcpoli #bcfires
As of July 20, there were 299 wildfires burning in B.C., with 40 evacuation orders affecting approximately 5,724 people (2,862 properties), in addition to 69 evacuation alerts impacting approximately 32,076 people (16,038 properties). #bcfires #bcpoli
The extended weather forecast calls for continued hot and dry conditions, with heightened wind activity in the Interior and southeastern B.C. #bcfires #bcpoli
The state of emergency is initially in effect for 14 days once issued and may be extended or rescinded as necessary. #bcfires #bcpoli
More than 3,180 firefighters and resource staff are currently actively engaged in fighting fires in all fire regions in the province. This includes 1,080 contractors and 135 out-of-province resources. #bcfires #bcpoli
On what took so long to call the state of emergency, Farnworth says it is based on the advice that was received by the wildfire service. #bcpoli
On evacuation spaces running out, Farnworth says there are spaces in Prince George although Kamloops is almost totally full. Says they need more centres. #bcfires #bcpoli
Farnworth says the state of emergency allows them to add spaces and says municipalities have been very helpful in providing spaces. #bcfires #bcpoli
On what Farnworth would say to people in Kamloops who feel ignored up until this point, Farnworth says it's not correct the assertion state of emergency was only called now because it impacts the Lower Mainland. #bcpoli #bcfires
On the impact of tourism and keeping people safe, Farnworth says it is important to follow the wildfire updates available daily. #bcfires #bcpoli
Farnworth says the state of emergency gives power to get additional evacuations spaces, but does not add to the resources provided to fight fires. That is allocated out of Winnipeg and is already in place. #bcfires #bcpoli
On impact to the tourism sector, Farnworth says travellers should look at the conditions of where they are travelling. Says people should make decisions based on the local conditions. #bcfires #bcpoli
Farnworth says work will be done with the tourism sector. Says they will work to ensure people know where it is safe to travel. "Public safety is paramount." #bcpoli #bcfires
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