New measures announced by province to mitigate wildfire risks
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KAMLOOPS — After two of the worst wildfire seasons on record, the provincial government is providing more fire prevention strategies, programs and funding to mitigate the risks this summer.
“We’ve taken a hard look at additional steps we can take to not only prevent wildfires, but also enhance our response on the ground during wildfire season,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development in a news release. “Our base budget for wildfire spending has increased by 58 (per cent), and we’re accelerating prevention and prevention awareness programs.”
As part of this year’s budget, wildfire funding has increased to $101 million annually, according to the release. The province said the additional money will help the B.C. Wildfire Service add to its fire response capabilities by adding more crews, enhancing aerial capacity and including innovative technology, along with spending more on fire prevention activities, including a more comprehensive prescribed burning program.
New technology including night vision goggles to help in early detection and response will also be piloted this summer.
