B.C. releases new wildfire guide in wake of worst wildfire seasons in province's history
As B.C. braces for another wildfire season, the provincial government has released a new Wildfire Preparedness Guide, urging British Columbians to “better protect themselves and their homes during this year’s wildfire season”.
The new guide contains information on what people should do if a wildfire approaches their community.
Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth called the Wildfire Preparedness Guide “a one-stop shop” for disaster readiness information that will reduce anxiety during a wildfire.
“The first step in managing any kind of emergency is to be as prepared as possible,” Farnworth said in a statement. “This guide will arm British Columbians with helpful information on how to stay safe in the event of a wildfire, and how to help reduce the stress and anxiety that an emergency situation may cause.”
The new guide focuses on what residents can do to prepare themselves before, during, and after a wildfire, including developing a household plan, assembling a grab-and-go bag for all family members, and learning about their local government’s emergency response plan.
The above-average temperatures so far this year has increased fire danger in many areas.
So far this year, B.C. Wildfire Service has responded to 445 fires across the province, burning 11,312 hectares.
On average, more than 1,600 wildfires occur across B.C. each year.
But the damages resulting from wildfires have increased in recent years in large because of the effects of climate change, the government says.
In the last two years, (2017 and 2018), B.C. witnessed the worst wildfire seasons in its history, forcing the government to declare a provincial state of emergency.
In 2018 wildfire season alone, more than 1.3 million hectares of lands burned across B.C.
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