By Cheryl Jahn

Wildfire Update: Minister Bowinn Ma

Jul 24, 2024 | 3:13 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – “As of this (Wednesday) morning, there are approximately 550 people under evacuation order and another 5,000 under evacuation alert,” explains Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma. “Fortunately, that is down from 7000 people from just yesterday as the evacuation alert in Williams Lake has been lifted. Now that the River Valley wildfire is under control.”

Minister Ma says most of the evacuations are related to the Shetland Creek fire in the Southern Interior and the Antler Creek fire west of Barkerville. Forests Minister Bruce Ralston joined the briefing for the first time today and he has startling stats to bring to the conversation.

“Recent summer storms have added lightning to this mix, and we are seeing a sudden increase in the number of wildfires. Wildfires are frequently started by lightning strikes. And by lightning, I mean, there have been more than seven 70,000 lightning strikes in the last three days.”

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He says what has been different with this firefighting season is the newly forged relationships with local authorities.

“Building on our work through the Premier’s Task Force, community support and participation has already become a theme of this year’s fire season. Undoubtedly, there will be challenges ahead, but we’re seeing concerted strength and collaboration efforts between local governments, First Nations, local fire departments and the B.C. Wildfire Service.”