The provincial government is preparing now for the upcoming wildfire season, announcing new resources to support B.C. residents forced to evacuate, as well new ways to increase the number of emergency responders. (BC Wildfire Service)

By Jordan Davidson

year-round operations

‘Timely access to supports is critical:’ B.C. prepares for looming wildfire season

Mar 19, 2024 | 5:27 AM

NANAIMO — Ongoing drought conditions and extreme weather events is causing the provincial government to focus on wildfire safety year-round.

Above-average temperatures and little precipitation were a common theme for much of last year, followed by warm weather in January melting what little snowpack the province had, setting the stage for another potentially costly wildfire season.

During a Monday, March 18 update, minister of emergency management and climate readiness Bowinn Ma said they want to make it easier for those evacuated during weather-related emergencies to receive support.

“These are the worst moments of people’s lives, and we know that timely access to supports is critical, that’s why an expanded team of emergency support specialists within my ministry is ready to be deployed to communities who need that extra support.”

She said it stems from the ongoing work of the Premiers Expert Task Force on Emergencies formed in Oct. 2023 to help enhance wildfire preparedness and evacuee support, following the worst wildfire season in B.C.’s history where around 186,000 people fell under an evacuation alert or order.

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A provincial website is available to self-register for emergency support services, and Ma encourages everyone to create a profile now.

“We want people to be able to access the supports that they need quickly during an emergency, and that’s why we’ve made it possible for people to create an online profile before an emergency happens. With an online profile, people who have been evacuated may opt to receive financial services via interact e-transfer.”

Varying degrees in drought levels province-wide is worrying weather experts, especially after warm and wet January storms decimated a majority of the snowpack, which is relied upon as a primary fresh-water source for many communities. (B.C. drought information portal)

The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has also “strengthened the BCWS hiring process by creating pathways for participation in wildfire response, specifically for applicants in rural and remote communities”, resulting in more than 1,700 applications this year, double the amount from this time last year, according to the province.

Ma also announced a quicker timeline for training for emergency support volunteers, reducing the hours of training from a week to only one day.

“This will help us build the pool of responders across the province and allow communities to train volunteers quickly and when they are needed the most,” said Ma.

To sign up to become a volunteer, Ma said to check with your local government or First Nation.

She also reminded residents about the importance of preparing a home evacuation plan which includes a to-go bag, and pay close attention to the forecast, evacuation orders and alerts, which can be found here at the Emergency Info BC page.

Current Status
Minister of forests Bruce Ralston said the wildlife risk right now is higher than usual, with the province dealing with several, human-caused wildfires already this year, along with dozens still not completely extinguished from last year.

He said the changing climate and extreme weather events force us to be wildfire-safe year-round.

“We expanded the BCWS into a year-round operation, and permanent, full-time staff have increased over 50 per cent since 2020 with more to come. We know the value of our wildfire team. In 2023, our talented BCWF service staff help ensure 80 per cent of fires were contained at 5 hectares or less.”

Increased resources for this year also include more planes and helicopter leasing agreements, upgraded technology to track and monitor wildfires, and a new equipment depot in Prince George, according to Ralston.

The province is asking residents to voluntarily monitor and reduce their water usage to avoid any mandated water restrictions in the future.

More information on being prepared for extreme weather events like fires, floods, and extreme heat can be found here at Prepared BC.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow