The province of British Columbia is encouraging its residents to travel and explore over the May long weekend, but they are asking them to do so safely.
This, as wildfire season is officially underway in BC – two wildfires of note (Parker Lake and Patry Creek) have caused over 4,000 people to evacuate from the Fort Nelson area in the last week.
The province is unsure when these people will be allowed to return home.
“We did see a little bit of rain in the last 48 hours in and around Fort Nelson and the Northeast,” Cliff Chapman, the Director of the BC Wildfire Service, said in a provincial news conference this afternoon (Friday).
“It is not nearly enough [rain]. The conditions in the northeast and the Prince George Fire Centre are extremely dry.”
According to Chapman, “We are experiencing a fuel drought that we have not seen in a long time – if ever – in British Columbia.”
“There is not enough rain forecasted to offset the prolonged drought or extinguish the fires naturally,” echoed Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Bowinn Ma.
She recommended people in the province ensure their home and tenants insurance policies are current and cover potential wildfire damages.
Ma was also clear in saying she does not want the fires to deter people from traveling to, or within British Columbia, but now is obviously not the time to explore the northeast.
“British Columbia is a huge province. We have an incredible coast, stunning mountain ranges, beautiful forests and vibrant communities,” she said. “We have a lot to offer and we want to share it.”
Chapman also noted campfires are still allowed across the province, and said the BC Wildfire Centre has seen a notable decline in fires caused by campers, saying people have largely been very responsible.
Anyone who sees smoke is being asked to dial *5555 to report it, even if you think it has already been called in.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
