B.C. officials warned Tuesday that hot, dry weather and thunderstorms are expected to drive worsening drought conditions and wildfire activity across much of the province in the days ahead.
B.C. government officials provided an update on the province’s wildfire and drought situation Tuesday morning, saying conditions could worsen before they improve.
Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Kelly Greene said wildfire activity has increased in recent weeks, with hot, dry conditions and lightning contributing to new fire starts.
She said about 600 properties were under evacuation order as of Tuesday morning, while another 5,700 properties were under evacuation alert, including nearly 5,300 properties in the City of Kimberley because of the Bootleg fire complex.
Greene said government officials are working with communities affected by evacuations to ensure evacuees have access to resources and accommodations.
She said now is a good time for people to prepare for an evacuation if they have not already, particularly those under evacuation alert.
“Review your emergency plan, make sure your grab and go bag is ready, and stay informed by following updates from your local government or First Nation.”
Forests Minister Ravi Parmar said more than 33,000 lightning strikes across B.C. last week contributed to an increase in wildfire activity.
Parmar said 87 wildfires were active across the province as of Tuesday, including four wildfires of note linked to the Matthew Creek fire complex near Kimberley and the Brunswick Creek fire complex near Boston Bar.
He added that of the 182 new fire starts this week, 80 per cent were classified as out, being held or under control.
Parmar also credited BC Wildfire Service crews with using new technology after a drone was used for a successful ignition on a fire in the Brunswick Creek complex.
“This is an exciting new step in wildfire suppression here in B.C.,” said Parmar. “These ignitions are often done by hand or by helicopter and are a key part in managing wildfires in very challenging terrain.”
Parmar said hot, dry conditions are expected to continue affecting southern B.C. over the next few days, with more thunderstorms in the forecast.
He also addressed U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose new tariffs on Canada.
Parmar said it was disappointing to see the lengths the president would go to further alienate one of Canada’s largest trading partners.
He said the decision comes at the same time as what he described as harmful and misguided rhetoric from U.S. officials about wildfires in Canada.
Parmar said recent criticism that Canada is not doing enough to manage forests and wildfires has no legitimate basis.
He added that the province helped fight wildfires in California last year and B.C. will continue to stand ready to help its neighbours when needed.
Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Minister Randene Neill said communities across B.C. are facing water scarcity and drought conditions.
Neill said communities across B.C. are increasing water restrictions, with Kamloops recently moving to Stage 4.
She added that stream flows are shrinking to near-record levels in some areas, particularly in the Okanagan’s Salmon River and Bessette Creek watersheds, prompting concerns about salmon survival.
“Declining streamflows and rising water temperatures placed additional stress on fish and aquatic ecosystems,” Neill said. “Today I am asking everyone, in the Okanagan particularly, to help conserve water.”
Neill thanked those who have taken voluntary measures to conserve water and said all British Columbians have a role to play in using less water.
Elevated drought conditions across the province are expected to persist through the summer.
