Premier’s absence questioned again after more homes lost to B.C. wildfires

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) —  Questions concerning B.C. Premier John Horgan’s absence continued Thursday.

The premier was set to return to work on Thursday, according to his office, after a trip to Atlantic Canada with his family that drew fierce criticism and started the hashtag #WhereisHorgan online.

Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth was asked about the premier’s whereabouts again on Thursday during the daily wildfire briefing.

Farnworth says that the premier is very much aware of the situation and every resource is being used to help those who have lost their homes or are displaced.

“We understand what a traumatic thing it is to lose a property or a home. It is devastating and we know that it is incredibly emotional. But what I can also tell you is that the men and women in the fire service are doing everything they can to ensure to not only protect life and property but in fighting the fires. And the premier is briefed every day.”

He added, “the premier is front and centre in terms of that awareness.”

Areas of concern

The questions come as more British Columbians find themselves homeless due to a growing wildfire, most recently in the Central Okanagan.

The White Rock Lake Fire destroyed five more properties on the northwest shore of Okanagan Lake after the fire swept through the area earlier this week.

The fire remains out of control and has burned about 811 square kilometres.

It’s one of 258 wildfires burning across the province which have placed thousands of people on evacuation alert, including the entire city of Merritt.

The Southern Okanagan and the Cariboo Fire Centre are still considered areas of concern, according to the BC Wildfire Service.

Favourable conditions

There is, however, some optimism. Manager of Wildfire Operations Todd Nessman says none of the existing fires have had significant growth this week.

Recent rain and cooler weather have allowed crews to make good progress and they were able to get up close to the fires, and solidify their containment lines.

So far, 852,000 hectares have been lost to fires across the province, which is still far below record-breaking 2017 and 2018.

Several evacuation orders have been downgraded to alerts in the last 24 hours, including one for the community of Logan Lake.

More good news for approximatley 2000 people forced to leave #LoganLake because of the #TremontCreek fire.
That evacuation order has been downgraded to an alert! #BCWildfires @NEWS1130 https://t.co/xpAnvZAXqS

— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) August 19, 2021

After a week out of their homes, residents were allowed back Thursday, after the Tremont Creek Wildfire was deemed to be moving away from the community.

“I know there were crews out there working throughout the night, it was a significant effort,” Nessman said, calling it a big win.

Firefighters growing tired

There have been more than 1,500 wildfires this year, and crews are getting tired.

“Fatigue is something we have a concern with. It’s been a long summer for many of our firefighters and staff supporting the efforts.  With that increased fatigue we are seeing more safety concerns come forward,” Nessman said, adding that they are monitoring everyone’s safety and giving more days off if they are needed.

Further causing concern, there is an expected loss of some of the boots on the ground in the coming weeks as many of the crews will be heading back to school in September.

Officials say they are trying to prepare for that situation now and crews are arriving from Quebec and Yukon to support existing teams.

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Thanking those on the frontline

Videos of people gathering each night to cheer on the fire crews have gone viral online.

“It’s been heartwarming to see reports of British Columbians greeting firefighters on their shift changes and thanking them for their service,” Farnworth said.

BC Wildfire Service says the messages have meant so much to them, and really hits home.

Fire risk remains high

Everyone is encouraged to mitigate their fire risk, as tinder-dry conditions persist in many parts of the province.

Metro Vancouver Transit Police tweeted Thursday that one of their crews discovered a brush fire in an encampment in Surrey.

“With so many B.C. families evacuated from their homes this is a stark reminder of how quickly things get out of control,” the tweet reads in part.

Came across this brush fire, in an encampment near Scott Road SkyTrain Station. With so many BC families evacuated from their homes this is a stark reminder of how quickly things get out of control. Thanks @CityofSurrey Fire Fighters & Bylaws for your quick response. pic.twitter.com/zUlpFrjlzK

— Media Relations for Metro Vancouver Transit Police (@MVTP_Media) August 19, 2021