B.C. wildfire situation ‘stabilized’ but active areas remain: officials

The wildfire situation across B.C. has stabilized across many areas, but this could change and there are other regions that remain ‘very active,’ officials said in an update Wednesday.

Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Bowinn Ma pointed to the fires near Lytton First Nation, where evacuation orders were issued Tuesday, as an area of concern.

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During the briefing, the BC Wildfire Service posted that the Koopiki Creek fire near Boston Bar has grown significantly and is now 14,000 hectares. It has shut down Highway 1 between Hope and Lytton.

This latest information comes on the heels of an earlier update from Jason Brolund, West Kelowna’s fire chief, who said the firefighting effort is moving into the “recovery phase,” as “favourable weather has seen major progress on the massive McDougall Creek wildfire.”

Meanwhile, once again, Ma emphasized the importance of following evacuation orders, acknowledging how difficult it may be for some to do so.

“I know that some people want to stay and fight,” she said. “I understand that. But it is also my duty to be clear about the risks to people and emergency crews.

“Evacuation orders must be followed. Fires are unpredictable and they move fast areas under evacuation order are not safe places, and when you are asked to leave, you must leave immediately.”

According to officials, more than 25,000 people remain on evacuation order, and 37,000 are on evacuation alert.

British Columbians are being encouraged to report any new wildfires by calling *5555.

Ma asks anyone who wishes to help to make a monetary donation to United Way of British Columbia, Canadian Red Cross, BC SPCA, or Food Banks BC.

With files from Charlie Carey and Robyn Crawford