Provincial state of emergency extended through September 14

The B.C. Government is extending the provincial state of emergency through to the end of the day on Sept. 14 in order to support the ongoing response to the wildfire situation and ensure public safety.

“Things are trending in the right direction, but we must remain alert and aware of the fires still burning and the potential for others to start,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

“Extending this state of emergency recognizes that the potential for significant wildfire activity persists, even as the nights get longer and the days cool down a bit, so I urge British Columbians to continue to be vigilant.”

As of the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 31, there are 233 wildfires burning in B.C., and 3,754 properties are under evacuation orders. Another 6,073 properties across B.C. are under evacuation alerts.

The province warns that fire conditions may worsen and lead to more severe fire behaviour, which would result in more evacuation orders being issued.