Officials issued additional wildfire evacuation orders yesterday amid worries that a storm front could exacerbate the provincial wildfire situation.
B.C.’s wildfire management branch is concerned that this week’s forecast of strong winds and lightning — with no rain — will fan forest fire activity.
“This is a very serious situation and we are focused on providing as much relief as possible,” said Gwen Eamer, a provincial fire information officer.
Fires forced nearly 500 families to evacuate their homes around Alexis Creek and Anahim Lake on Tuesday.
The prediction of strong, erratic winds has fuelled worries about an already bad situation.
Officials plan to keep bringing in action crew reinforcements from Alberta, Ontario and Manitoba, as well as the U.S., said Eamer.
“We will keep calling in crews from outside provinces and with the Northwest Fire agreement, we can reach out to the U.S. if needed,” she said.
There are currently 278 forest fires burning in B.C. and 71 per cent of the province is at a high or extreme rating for forest fires.
