As British Columbia’s wildfire situation continues to worsen, the provincial government has called for federal assistance.
Weeks remain in fire season and forecasts throughout the province call for hot, dry conditions with the risk of further lightning risks.
The provincial government is requesting 200 self-sufficient personnel, as well as heavy-lift aircraft to reposition wildfire crews, equipment and other operations.
Aircraft for emergency transport of injured personnel and to help evacuate people in remote area, should evacuation routes by compromised, has also been requested.
"This is an urgent situation, and the safety of British Columbians is our highest priority," said Mike Farnworth, minister of public safety.
"Due to the increase in the number of wildfires affecting communities and the extreme wildfire behaviour we are seeing, we're asking for federal assistance for additional resources that may be needed to protect the public, property and infrastructure."
As of today, there are 3,400 dedicated wildfire personnel responding to around 600 fires around the province.
That includes BC Wildfire Service crews, contractors, municipal firefighters, industry personnel and out-of-province crews.
Firefighters are the rest of Canada, as well as Mexico, Australia and New Zealand are all assisting at the moment.
More than 3,000 people are currently affected by evacuation orders, with another 17,900 on evacuation alert.
Keep up-to-date with the most current #BCWildfire and evacuation information:
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) July 19, 2018
💻 - https://t.co/WIT451iGOr
📱 - @BCGovFireinfo & @EmergencyInfoBC
📍 - Interactive Map: https://t.co/IcXWeXv14p
📞 - Report wildfires by calling 1-800-663-555 or *5555 on mobile pic.twitter.com/9fY4BA8AUR
"We're bringing in the additional resources we need to keep people and communities as safe as possible," said Doug Donaldson, minister of forests.
"I thank the federal government and the Canadian Armed Forces for their assistance, and also ask British Columbians to do their part by following burning bans to prevent human-caused fires."
To view an interactive map of all the wildfires currently burning in B.C., click this link.
