B.C. extending state of emergency due to wildfires as winds expected to fan flames in northeast
CBC
Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma says British Columbia is extending a state of emergency due to the ongoing wildfires that have devastated parts of the province.
Ma announced the two-week extension at a provincial update on drought and wildfires on Thursday.
The state of emergency, which was initially declared on Aug. 18, gives the province extended powers to respond to disasters such wildfires.
The announcement comes despite a general improvement in wildfire conditions in southern parts of B.C., where rain has helped calm some of the flames.
However, firefighters in the northeast say they are expecting strong winds to exacerbate fires burning near municipalities like Fort Nelson, Fort St. John, Chetwynd and Dawson Creek.
"The north is not getting rain … what they are getting is significant winds," said Cliff Chapman, a director with the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS). "The north is not experiencing the same weather as the south is facing right now."
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District has ordered more properties to evacuate in the area of Gun Lake, where the 95-square kilometre Downton Lake Wildfire is still burning out of control.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for northeast B.C. concerning widespread gusty winds Thursday night into Saturday.
It says westerly or southwesterly winds of 40 km/h gusting to 60 km/h will develop late Thursday over southeastern Yukon and move into northeastern B.C. Friday morning.
"These winds, in combination with ongoing severe drought and recent heat will lead to an increase in wildfire activity across the landscape," said the statement.
Environment Canada said the windy conditions could also worsen air quality due to wildfire smoke and create hazards such as broken and falling tree branches.
The BCWS also issued a statement about the expected wind in the northeast, asking residents in the region to stay alert to changes the gusts could cause.
"Wildfires are dynamic and conditions may change rapidly," it said.
The service has shifted resources to the north to be prepared for increased wildfire activity.
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