New B.C. premier extends fire measures
VICTORIA • British Columbia’s new government is extending the state of emergency for two more weeks as wildfires sweeping across the province’s Interior show no signs of slowing.
Premier John Horgan said his government’s first priority is to support the more than 45,000 people displaced by the fires, which have so far torched 41 homes and more than 3,200 square kilometres of land.
“It’s clear to me that we need to do more,” Horgan told reporters, speaking outside the legislature in Victoria on his first full day as premier. “We need to give additional support to the communities affected, and the first responders.”
The current state of emergency expires Friday and Horgan said he regrets having to lengthen it.
Horgan said people who are kept out of their homes for more than 14 days will get a second payment of $600, which will be paid out of a previously announced $100-million fund administered by the Canadian Red Cross.
“This is unprecedented,” he said. “Traditionally, when an emergency is declared, people are usually back in their homes within the twoweek period. That may not be the case for many individuals.”
Some people are still out of their homes because of flooding earlier this year, and they are also eligible for the increased funds, he said.
Horgan said 80 per cent of the people who have registered at wildfire evacuation centres set up across the province have already received the first $600 instalment to help with food, shelter and other expenses.
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth and Forests Minister Doug Donaldson have been tapped to co-chair a task force assigned with ensuring the emergency response is not disturbed by the transition between governments.
Calmer winds have allowed good progress building guards around scores of wildfires currently threatening communities in central and southern B.C., said chief fire information officer Kevin Skrepnek. He said the number of active fires is decreasing.
Mounties in Williams Lake issued a statement Wednesday that said a local resident had threatened to kill firefighters if they continued to conduct back burning. RCMP said the resident was with a group of men, one of whom was allegedly carrying a handgun on his hip.
RCMP located the 44-yearold resident, who acknowledged his statements were made in a “time of extreme stress.” Charges are not being considered.
The wildfire service said Wednesday that 155 fires are currently burning and 15 of those are threatening communities.