B.C. declares a province-wide state of emergency in fight against wildfires
100 MILE HOUSE, B.C. — A province-wide state of emergency has been declared in British Columbia after nearly 140 new wildfires broke out on Friday, consuming dozens of buildings and forcing thousands of people from their homes.
Transportation Minister Todd Stone said the extraordinary measure of declaring an emergency is necessary to co-ordinate the crisis response and ensure public safety.
“This is an urgent situation and public safety is the top priority,” he said in a statement.
Stone said wildfire activity is expected to increase with hot, dry weather predicted in the coming days, along with thunderstorms forecast for many parts of the province.