How are the B.C. wildfires impacting you?
CBC Radio | Posted: July 21, 2017 3:55 PM | Last Updated: July 24, 2017
Sunday on Cross Country Checkup: Fleeing the flames of B.C.'s wildfires. More than two weeks since the first flames flared up in B.C., over 100 wildfires continue to rage throughout the province. After the flames die down, what's next for B.C. residents?
More from this episode:
It's been over two weeks since the first flames flared up in B.C. - sparks that quickly exploded into wildfires so widespread that over 40,000 people have been forced to flee their homes. As the displaced sought refuge in any safe haven, many are still in crowded evacuation centres and over 4,000 firefighters have been called upon to battle the flames.
Yesterday brought some welcome news - evacuation orders were lifted for residents of Princeton and 100 Mile House, but tens of thousands still can't return home. Today, there are 152 fires still burning throughout the province. Nine of them started just yesterday.
Premier John Horgan has extended the state of emergency for two more weeks and announced more funds for evacuees. Fire officials warn the threat is far from over. All eyes are on the weather as conditions remain tinder-dry throughout B.C. and strong winds expected today could spread the wildfires.
After the flames die down, what's next for B.C. residents? For those making their way back to razed or unrecognizable homes, what will it take to clean up and rebuild?
The larger question being asked beyond B.C.'s borders are catastrophic wildfires the new normal? Remember, just last year, fire tore through Fort McMurray, Alta. forcing more than 90,000 people to flee causing billions of dollars of damage. As summers become hotter and drier than ever before, is Canada doing enough to address the threat, the intensity of growing wildfires? How are fires impacting our health and our economy? What more should cities and towns do to be fire-ready?
Our question this week: How are the B.C. wildfires impacting you?
Guests
Lynn Landry
Evacuee near 100 Mile House
Evacuee near 100 Mile House
Chris Berkey
Evacuated two weeks ago from Cache Creek, returned home last week
Evacuated two weeks ago from Cache Creek, returned home last week
Melissa Blake
Mayor of Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, including Fort McMurray
Mayor of Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, including Fort McMurray
Mitch Campsall
Mayor of 100 Mile House
Mayor of 100 Mile House
Rick Swan
Veteran firefighter and director of Wildland Firefighting Safety and Response at the International Association of Fire Fighters
Veteran firefighter and director of Wildland Firefighting Safety and Response at the International Association of Fire Fighters
Tim Haney
Director of the Centre for Community Disaster Research at Mount Royal University
Director of the Centre for Community Disaster Research at Mount Royal University
What we're reading
For evacuation alerts and orders, visit Emergency Info BC.
For road closures and conditions, visit DriveBC.
For wildfires of note, visit the B.C. Wildfire Service.
For air quality advisories, check with Environment Canada.
CBC.ca
Listen - The Current | Chaos and pain at B.C.'s Kamloops evacuation centre
Listen - B.C. Almanac | B.C. wildfires: Preparing for a long season
Photos | 800 pets and counting: Volunteers at Kamloops emergency pet shelter 'overwhelmed' by support
Global News
The Globe and Mail
100 Mile Free Press
Toronto Star