As the wildfire season in B.C. intensifies, more than 200 personnel from other jurisdictions will be arriving to support the response. The B.C. Wildfire Service said in an update Sunday that dozens of fighters from Alberta and Yukon will arrive this week, followed by more than 100 from Mexico after the August long weekend. Conditions in parts of the province are “conducive to more explosive growth or aggressive behaviour,” BCWS spokesperson Jean Strong said, citing a multi-year drought, combined with windy, hot weather and dry lightning. As of Sunday morning, there were 145 active wildfires burning across the province, with 69 of the blazes classified as out of control. Dozens of evacuation alerts and orders were in effect, with structure losses already reported in the Boston Bar and Clinton areas. Province-wide, the current response includes 974 firefighters, 162 aviation resources, 130 pieces of heavy equipment and 248 structure protection personnel. Bringing in support from elsewhere in Canada and internationally will not only ensure more boots on the ground, but it will also give local crews the chance to rest. “These resources are incredibly helpful,” Strong said. While heat warnings that blanketed much of the province last week have been lifted, Strong noted there are still tinder-dry fuels that are receptive to ignition, and that the forecast includes more warm weather and limited rain. “It makes it really easy for new fires to ignite, and for those fires to burn aggressively,” she said. Air quality warnings remain in effect for swathes of the province due to wildfire smoke. “During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour,” Environment and Climate Change Canada’s warning on Sunday said. “Some people are more likely to be negatively impacted by smoke. This includes people with lung and heart conditions, pregnant individuals, infants and young children, people aged 65 and older, and anyone whose health is affected by a chronic condition or acute illness.” Drive BC shared a reminder about wildfire-related road closures early Sunday morning.
