Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says he hopes B-C’s wildfire situation is not the “new normal” but with climate change and increasingly early starts to the fire season, there’s reason for concern.
Farnworth made the comment today shortly after the B-C government declared a province-wide state of emergency, which will remain in effect for the next 14 days and can be extended or rescinded as required.
Nearly 500 wildfires are burning across B-C and 48 of those blazes are either highly visible or have the potential to threaten communities.
B-C Wildfire Service spokesman Kevin Skrepnek says the state of emergency was recommended because the situation “is going to get worse before it gets better” and rain is the only thing that could reduce that risk.