The Canadian Red Cross fears last week’s cooler, wet weather could be the calm before a potential firestorm.
“There’s no doubt that the risk is severe,” says Kimberley Nemvara, director of B.C. for the Canadian Red Cross. “We are just making sure we are as ready as we can be whenever an evacuation does occur.”
The Canadian Red Cross, London Drugs and Global BC are teaming up to meet the needs of what could become the worst fire season on record.
Donations are being accepted at all London Drugs locations, the proceeds going towards volunteer training and much-needed supplies including hygiene kits, blankets and cots.
“Global BC is really proud to partner with London Drugs and the Red Cross to get behind this initiative. We all lived through the fires of 2003 and know the devastation that can be caused by wildfires in this province,” says Jill Krop, Global BC news director and station manager.
There are 500 Canadian Red Cross volunteers, two supply trailers and one mobile command centre currently on standby. With a total of 1,355 wildfires across British Columbia since April, moving emergency response teams to various areas has been a constant chase.
Hotter, drier weather is expected to be the new normal for the rest of the summer.
Kicking things off, added outdoor traffic this B.C. Day weekend is expected to increase the threat of wildfire.
“Just that many people outdoors, just that much more potential for human caused fires,” says Kevin Skrepnek, Chief Provincial Fire Information Officer.
More than 275,000 hectares have burned in British Columbia to date, nearly six times the 10 year average.
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