Some good news on the BC wildfire situation!
The number of active fires has gone down significantly from 155 to 140, with only four new ones starting on Tuesday.
Chief Fire Information Officer Kevin Skrepnek says the cost of now fight the fires has grown to more than $105 million.
“To date, we have responded to 674 fires since April 1st, burning an estimated 353,000 hectares of land. That hectares number continues to fluctuate on a mix of growth on some of our larger fires, and more accurate mapping as well.”
Number of active fires trending down, lower number of new fires starting. 27 fires of note, 15 interface fires – pose threats to communities
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) July 19, 2017
He says efforts are continuing to focus on public safety and keeping the highways as open and smooth as possible for evacuation purposes.
According to the BC Wildfire Service, while about 60% of the blazes are naturally caused, some of being investigated as human-caused.
Skrepnek says he’s concerned over the public’s negligence of starting their own fire.
“That is why we have put in a campfire ban across the entire province, why we have instituted backcountry closures in some areas, recreation and park closures, is to try and stem those human-caused fires just given how much activity we already have, and how much were already contending with.”
Gustafson fire near 100 Mile House 100 5700 ha, 45% contained. Hanceville, Riske Creek is about 125,000 – heavy equipment attending
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) July 19, 2017
He encourages everyone to call the Service if they witness an open fire; the number is 1 (800) 663-5555, or you can dial *5555 on your mobile device.
More than 3,000 first responders and staff have been deployed to help battle the blazes, along with 209 aircraft support.
Emergency Management BC has 35,800 people registered as evacuees, with 70% of them receiving financial assistance through the Red Cross.
.@BC_SPCA is escalating rescue efforts for affected pets + livestock across the Cariboo. Resources will be deployed to attend pets left
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) July 19, 2017