King Charles offers condolences, support amid B.C., NWT wildfires

The people affected by the hundreds of wildfires in B.C. and the Northwest Territories are getting a letter of support and condolences from King Charles III.

Shared by B.C. Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin Wednesday, the letter from the King says both he and his wife “were desperately concerned to learn of the recent states of emergency declared” in the province and territory.

“We recall with great fondness our visit to Yellowknife and the Northwest Territories last year and we can only begin to imagine the heartbreak in those communities as they face this disastrous situation,” the letter continues.

A message of condolences and support from His Majesty King Charles III: pic.twitter.com/1jqUq3sZmL

— Janet Austin (@LGJanetAustin) August 23, 2023

“We know that this Summer has been an incredibly difficult one for Canadians everywhere. Severe flooding, devastating fires, and deteriorating air quality due to smoke have impacted the country from coast to coast to coast.”

King Charles goes on to say that both he and his wife, Queen Camilla, are sending condolences to those who have lost loved ones, and prayers to those forced from their homes or who have lost homes, businesses, and other property.

The King also shared his thanks to the many people fighting the fires, as well as officials and others who are supporting those affected by the disasters.

“The beauty of Canada is not limited to its landscapes; its true beauty lies in the strength and resilience of Canadians and the care and concern they show to one another in the face of adversity,” the letter concludes.

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• Locals should be included in wildfire efforts, not shamed or ousted: BC United MLA

• Patients in B.C. long-term care homes and N.W.T. hospitals displaced by wildfires

• Wildfire fight switches from defence to offence near capital of Northwest Territories

As of Wednesday morning, there were more than 370 wildfires in B.C. Of that number, more than a dozen were considered Wildfires of Note. Blazes across the province have displaced thousands of people

In the Northwest Territories, there were more than 230 active wildfires reported Wednesday morning. One of these fires continues to burn about 15 kilometres from the territorial capital of Yellowknife, forcing tens of thousands of people out of their homes and community.