British Columbia is facing an uphill battle as wildfires continue to escalate amid worsening drought conditions across the province, Premier David Eby said on Tuesday.
Evacuation orders and alerts have expanded near multiple wildfires in northern BC, with the province’s emergency information website stating that around 150 individuals have already been displaced from their homes.
Eby warned of “long days ahead,” but assured fire-threatened communities that help is on the way.
“To British Columbians who are involved and who are facing potential evacuation or are in a state of emergency, we’re bringing on those resources to support you and your communities to fight those fires,” he said.
In the regional district of Bulkley Nechako, evacuation orders were issued late Monday for properties near two out-of-control fires in the Burns Lake area, including a blaze measuring approximately 3.5 square kilometres.
Another evacuation along the north shore of Francois Lake now includes around 60 properties under threat from the 20-square-kilometre Parrot Lookout wildfire, the Canadian Press reported.
Meanwhile, in Yukon, a wildfire has been burning west of Whitehorse since Saturday, with its size now reaching nearly eight square kilometres.
An evacuation alert has remained in effect for approximately 155 properties in the Ibex Valley area, while a second evacuation alert has been issued for a dozen properties along the Silver Trail between Stewart Crossing and Mayo.
There are currently over 300 active wildfires throughout the province, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
In his statement, Eby said the coming months could bring unprecedented conditions not witnessed in a century, especially as heat warnings remain in place for parts of BC.
“The federal government has noted that we expect this to be nationally the worst fire season in 100 years and we don’t expect BC will be an exception to that rule given where we are right now,” he said.
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