helicopter flying over a forest, smoke from a wildfire rises up
Disaster

Wildfires: BC no longer in state of emergency

CKTZ News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

British Columbia ended the provincial state of emergency in response to wildfires at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14.

The province has returned to a standard emergency response, but a government press release cautioned that “the wildfire season is not over [and] it is vital that the public remain prepared and follow the continued direction of local authorities.”

Image credit: Rain – Photo by a.dombrowski via Flickr (CC BY SA, 2.0 License)

The government measure ensured a coordinated response to wildfire activity, with firefighters from across the country, as well as from Mexico and Australia assisting BC personnel. At the height of the fire season in the hottest months, 3,631 firefighting staff were deployed.

Some facts regarding the 2021 fire season in British Columbia to date include:

  • The state of emergency was declared by the Province on Jul. 20 and extended three times, for a combined total of 57 days.
  • 32,000 people were displaced, with 19,807 people registering for Emergency Support Services.
  • Firefighters from around the province, Canada, as well as from Mexico and Australia worked to contain and put out blazes.
  • The Red Cross is accepting donations for British Columbians impacted by wildfires.

As of Tuesday, Sept. 14, the BC Wildfire Dashboard reported that in the Coastal Fire Centre region there were 14 total fires burning, with 8 being held and 6 under control.

To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call *5555 on a cellphone or 1 800 663-5555 toll-free.

Top photo credits: To date in 2021, 1,585 fires burned 868,619 hectares in the province. Photo by Neil Moralee via Flickr.