Provincial state of emergency extended due to wildfires

The B.C. government has extended the provincial state of emergency through to 12:01 a.m. on August 18, 2021, in an effort to support the ongoing coordinated response to the wildfires and ensure public safety.

As of this morning (Aug. 3), 254 wildfires were burning throughout the province. Those fires have led to 64 evacuation orders being issued and 99 evacuation alerts being put in place, including several in the Vernon and North Okanagan area.

B.C.’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth, said the province will continue to support British Columbians if they end up facing an evacuation order.

Meantime, Katrine Conroy, the Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, said the people on the front lines are doing all they can to protect B.C. communities and keeping British Columbians safe.