Dozens of MLAs call for state of emergency in B.C. to fight wildfires

With nearly 1,100 wildfires in B.C. this year, over 20 MLAs are demanding Horgan to make that declaration.

Solicitor General and Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth is the one who can declare the state of emergency. But he says it’s done so on the advice of the BC wildfire service. The declaration would give him power to commandeer extra resources to fight wildfires, but he says all the resources we need to fight the fires are already here.

“The reality is that we have aircraft, we have over 175 aircrafts, fighting fires in this province right now. There’s a standing offer program for helicopter companies, aircraft companies around the province to provide aircraft, all the resources that we need to fight fires are available to us right now.” said Farnworth.

Farnworth adds that there are 120 firefighters from other provinces fighting in B.C. and there are 100 more coming from Mexico.

But MLA Mike Morris says that shows he’s not utilizing resources B.C. already has.

“That indicates to me that he’s not totally familiar with the legislation around that. But that gives him the opportunity to bring in and access more resources that we have within our own communities, within our own province.” said Morris.

Morris says the Safeguard that’s stationed out in Fort St. John has 110 trained firefighters right now, with state of the art equipment. However, the province hasn’t used them yet.

Both Morris and MLA Shirley Bond say that many people who’ve fled their homes and those fighting the fires say resources are running thin.

“In many parts of the province, we’re not gonna see a change in weather, we are facing drought conditions. I think that defines an emergency. We’re hearing from people on the ground who recognize that additional support is needed. One way to show this part of British Columbia that the government has their back is by calling a state of emergency.” said Bond.

Premier Horgan argued that calling for the state of emergency would only achieve bringing people together. Which is what many want.

“Well that’s the point, get a bunch of people together to solve the issues that we have out there.” said Morris.

“Yesterday, we listened to B.C. wildfire tell British Columbians, they do not have the resources to fight every fire. In fact they’re having to prioritize obviously the safety of people and property.” said Bond.

by Oli Herrera

Dozens of MLAs call for state of emergency in B.C. to fight wildfires

What's Trending