Thousands in B.C. on evacuation alert as drought and wildfires persist

Thousands of people are still under an evacuation alert in B.C. as multiple wildfires continue to burn amid a nearly province-wide drought.

In an update Tuesday, Bowinn Ma, the minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, says about 3,400 people are on evacuation alert in the northwest, northeast, and Cariboo regions.

Additionally, about 150 people are under an evacuation order.

Read more: Almost 80 evacuation orders, alerts across B.C. as wildfires burn

“We know that the road ahead of us is long, complex, and challenging. That’s why last week, I made a request to Federal Minister Bill Blair for federal assistance to support our response to wildfires across B.C. and I’m thankful to the federal government for quickly approving our request and deploying Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard to aid in suppressing fires,” Ma said. 

Drought, fire impact on farmers

Minister of Agriculture and Food Pam Alexis says the province is working at ensuring farmers have protections amid both the drought conditions and potential fire damages.

“This is indeed a very serious time for B.C. agricultural community who are being impacted by both drought and wildfires. I’ve been on the phone daily with farmers and ranchers as well as mayors and local government and local governments listening intently to their concerns, and we’re looking at short term medium-term, and long-term solutions,” Alexis said. 

Alexis says eligible farmers can also apply to be a part of the AgriStability program which helps protect producers from big income losses.

“Anyone who didn’t enroll before the April 30 deadline will be able to do so and get the assistance they need. The interim payment limit has also been increased from 50 per cent to 75 per cent, and advance payments can be obtained in 10 business days,” Alexis said.

“We’ve also submitted an application to the federal government for an AgriRecovery program, which will help impacted farmers recover and get back into production. It’s also important to know that a state of emergency does not need to be declared for farmers to access these programs or any other financial assistance programs,” the agriculture minister continued. 

Related video: Salmon may struggle to spawn amid drought: Streamkeepers

Alexis adds that farmers have faced numerous challenges over the past few years, and is advising workers that mental health supports are available.

“This is not an easy time to be a farmer with fires, floods, drought, extreme heat, and extreme cold, animal diseases, and a pandemic — all within the last three years. Their well-being is a priority to me. And if anyone is in need of mental health supports, please let us know,” she said.

Most of province experiencing drought

Last week, the provincial government said drought levels are already worse than they were at the beginning of the fall last year, months ahead of historic patterns and levels of prior years.

Ma adds that two-thirds of B.C. is experiencing high levels of drought conditions.

“The drought condition is very widespread across the province. Two-thirds of the province is currently in a Level Four or Level Five drought condition with Level Five being the most severe. Were seeing Level Five conditions in the northeast, and also on Vancouver Island,” she said.

Ma adds that more than 230 wildfires sparked last week, with over a dozen of those being caused by humans.

Cliff Chapman, the director of wildfire operations with the BC Wildfire Service, says that with more hot weather on the way, it’s unlikely there will be enough rain to make an impact.

“In terms of the models right now, Environment Canada is forecasting warmer than average conditions. So we’re expecting to see hot dry temperatures, and they’re modeling that we’ll see less precipitation. We did see a little bit of rain come through the province in the last 24 hours into some of the areas that desperately needed rain,” he said.

“So it will give us an opportunity with suppression efforts in the next three, four days. Unfortunately, behind this system that we saw come through yesterday is another pressure high-pressure ridge. It’s going to see hot and dry temperatures in particular in the south.”

Related articles: 

• B.C. wildfire season sets record as hundreds of fires burn

• B.C. forecast doesn’t include enough rain as challenging wildfire season continues

• Military mobilized to help in B.C. wildfire fight

• Almost 80 evacuation orders, alerts across B.C. as wildfires burn

Ma adds is encouraging people to continue reporting fires, and to be active in helping prevent them.

“Please keep up the good work and remain cautious with any activity that could lead to a wildfire,” she noted. 

“Our BC Wildfire service team is busy fighting lightning-caused wildfires and they need our support. You can also report a wildfire using the app, or by calling star 555 from a cell phone.” 

“In addition to wildfires, many of our province are being affected by severe drought. We are experiencing a serious drought which may worsen into the fall and summer or even into the next year. We are working across ministries to ensure that we are using all levers available to us to reduce water consumption and this includes implementing water conservation,” Ma said. 

The minister is also urging people to conserve water.

“We are actively monitoring conditions and in some cases will impose restrictions if voluntary measures do not prove to be enough. We all have a part to play to build a more resilient province and that at this time, I’m urging all people and businesses to conserve water,” she said.

“Follow all water restrictions locally. Water your lawn sparingly, if at all. Consider taking shorter showers turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving. Only do full loads of dishes and laundry. Let’s commit together to be mindful of our water use.”