Structure destroyed by Sparks Lake fire (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson

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SOUND OFF: Why the delay in enacting a wildfire state of emergency?

Jul 8, 2021 | 12:05 PM

IT CONTINUES TO BE A CHALLENGING WEEK not only for the hard-working crews tackling wildfires all across B.C., but also for evacuees and those on alert to leave their homes at a moment’s notice. My heart goes out to everyone on edge due to this evolving and unpredictable fire situation.

It’s been so unpredictable that people in Lytton had barely any notice — or time — to flee their community before a wildfire destroyed virtually all of it, and tragically claimed at least two lives. I can’t even begin to imagine the terror as many residents left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Our thoughts are with those who have lost so much, most especially the loved ones of the deceased.

In my riding of Cariboo-Chilcotin, wildfires continue to threaten the areas southwest of Deka Lake; south of Canim Lake; north of Big Stick Lake; at Si Lake; and in the Churn Creek Protected Area. I have tried to share up-to-date information as much as possible through video updates on my Facebook page because as we know, timely information is everything when it comes to the wildfire situation.

I’ve also been encouraging people to be ready to evacuate their homes on a moment’s notice, because you just never know how quickly things can change. It’s important to have an emergency plan, a full tank of gas in your car, and a ‘grab and go’ kit ready in case the call to leave comes.

Your kit should include important documentation and identification, with photocopies in another location as a backup. Be sure to pack some food, bottled water and important medications, as well as personal toiletries and a phone charger. You should also have some cash on hand to buy supplies and essentials that you might have had to leave behind.

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We can’t forget about animals, as well. If you have pets, be sure to include some pet food and some water in your kit. If you own livestock, have a place for your animals as well as feed — or offer up your space to others in need, if you can.

There are many more helpful tips on how to prepare for a wildfire emergency, offered by PreparedBC. Have a look at their guide and see if there’s more you could be doing to prepare for such a situation. As people often say, “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.”

It’s certainly shaping up to be a brutal wildfire season in British Columbia. Look at all the damage and destruction so far, and it’s only the first week of July. This is why, earlier this week, our caucus called on Premier John Horgan to declare a State of Emergency. This would ensure federal, provincial and local resources can be delivered in a coordinated response to protect the public. Those on the ground and in need require certainty that resources will be available to them.

It’s vital that our province is ready before more fires spark — and with tinder-dry conditions and frequent forecasts of lightning storms, it seems very likely that this already devastating situation will only get worse.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.