Thursday August 17, 2023 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
BC Wildfire Service and various government ministries are preparing for extreme fire behaviour due to potential dry lightning and strong winds. People are urged to be prepared for evacuations and follow all regional fire prohibitions.
This week’s wildfire and extreme weather emergency update was delivered today from Vancouver, led by Forests Minister Bruce Ralston along with Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Bowinn Ma.
Heat wave:
During the past week, B.C. has seen record-breaking heat accompanied by dry air masses, especially in the south of the province. The heat has compounded existing drought conditions that have affected much of the province and heightened the wildfire risk.
Today it was stated that a significant number of areas in the province (28 of 34 water basins) are now at Drought Levels 4 and 5 (5 is the highest). Ralston encourages water conservation by everyone: “every drop counts”.
Agricultural and fishery impact:
The high drought levels are impacting salmon runs. Yesterday Ralston issued a order that watering cease for forage crops. Food crops and market vegetable crops can still be watered, and people can still use water for normal human activities, said Ralston today.
Ralston said that he realizes the impact of water restrictions on families and businesses.
This correlation of water, drought, fires and food-growing is further evidence of how complex it’s becoming in BC to assure food resilience.
One-day heat reprieve on Friday, but more fires could start:
A fast-moving cold front is set to come through the province today through Friday. The incoming cold, dry air is expected to break down the existing high-pressure ridge, causing strong, shifting winds and dry lightning. As a result, the province may see new fire starts that grow quickly, as well as overall unpredictable and fast-moving fire behaviour of existing wildfires.
Cliff Chapman, Director of Operations, BC Wildfire Service said that Vancouver Island will see more wind on Friday as well as some lightning. But he’s more concerned about longer term lack of rain as that contributes to the continuing drought.
Check roads and evacuation orders:
Before travelling anywhere within the province, the recommendation by emergency management professionals is to check for road closures, evacuation alerts, evacuation orders and other prohibitions, such as BC Parks closures.
Travellers should follow all instructions from First Nations or local authorities, including evacuation alerts or evacuation orders.
Given the incoming conditions that may result in rapidly growing and moving wildfires, it is important that people who are placed under an evacuation order leave the area immediately and follow the instructions provided by their local authority or First Nation. Decisions around evacuation orders are not made lightly.
Organize with friends and family, check into ESS:
As part of their emergency plans, people should connect with friends and family who may be able to provide shelter and support should an evacuation order be issued. This will help ensure local accommodation is available for those who have no other option.
For those who do not have the option of staying with family or friends, Emergency Support Services (ESS), including accommodation, are available. People are strongly encouraged to pre-register for ESS at: ess.gov.bc.ca
This can expedite an evacuee’s experience at a reception centre and allow e-transfers, where applicable. People should also prepare by putting together a grab-and-go kit for themselves, their family and their pets.
Help from the public can be the first line of defence in preventing and containing wildfires. Early reporting of wildfire is a crucial support in quickly getting firefighters to new starts that are more easily contained.
Report wildfires:
Wildfires can be reported by calling 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone or by downloading the BC Wildfire Service app. The mobile app allows individuals to submit photos along with their report, which helps inform the BC Wildfire Service’s operational decision-making.
As well, people should take extreme care to ensure their own activities are not a source of wildfire ignition. Everyone should also be aware of current fire conditions in their area and abide by any existing alerts or evacuation orders.
As conditions change, stay informed by visiting BCWildfire.ca and EmergencyInfoBC.ca or through the BC Wildfire Service app. BC Wildfire Service crews are working diligently to secure fire guards for active wildfires, doing planned ignition operations, and ensuring that active perimeters of fires are out. The top priority is always to protect people’s lives and property, as well as crucial infrastructure.
The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness continues to assess capacity for group lodging and is proactively opening other evacuation spaces throughout the province for people who are unable to stay with friends and family.
Wildfire evacuees from Northwest Territories:
Two days ago, the entire population of Yellowknife (the capital city of Northwest Territories, about 20,000 people) was ordered to evacuate due to an approaching wildfire which is expected to reach the edge of the city by this weekend. A methodical evacuation (phased approach based on level of risk) by road and air has been underway. Most evacuees will end up in Alberta, but also some in northern BC.
Today Health Minister Adrian Dix said that about high-need 55 hospital patients and long-term care residents will be arriving at the Vancouver International Airport, for redirection to hospitals and care facilities in BC. He notes the impact on health-care workers and facilities, as well as the patients.
Dix added: “It goes without saying that we support other jurisdictions.”
===== ABOUT ISLAND SOCIAL TRENDS:
Island Social Trends is a daily news portal at IslandSocialTrends.ca with a focus on reporting current events through a socioeconomic lens.
Founder, editor and publisher Mary P Brooke carries forward insightful discourse on a range of social and economic impacts of today’s modern lifestyle in Canada, writing from her desk in the west shore area of South Vancouver Island.
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===== GOVERNMENT LINKS:
- BC Wildfire Service information and updates: http://www.bcwildfire.ca/
- For the latest videos from wildfire incidents, visit: https://www.youtube.com/@BCWildfireService
- For preparedness guides from PreparedBC, including floods, wildfires and extreme heat, visit:
http://www.preparedbc.ca - For tips about how to prepare grab-and-go bags, visit:
http://www.preparedbc.ca/emergencykit - FireSmart evacuation checklist:
https://firesmartbc.ca/resource/firesmart-last-minute-wildfire-checklist/ - To register for Emergency Support Services, visit: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/
- Fire bans and restrictions:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/fire-bans-and-restrictions - Emergency information: http://www.emergencyinfobc.ca
and http://www.twitter.com/EmergencyInfoBC - Current weather alerts, visit: http://weather.gc.ca
- Air quality advisories:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air/air-quality/air-advisories - Latest road conditions, visit: http://www.drivebc.ca