August is historically known as one of the most challenging months for wildfires in B.C. This month is no different, with Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Bowinn Ma stating Wednesday this continues to be a “critical situation” for the province.
“We are experiencing the impact of climate change,” she said at a press conference.
As of Wednesday morning, 530 people are under evacuation orders and more than 9,500 people are under evacuation alerts.
The Eagle Bluff fire, burning near Osoyoos, has moved away from the community but some evacuation orders and alerts remain.
There are now more than 220 properties under evacuation order due to the Downton Lake fire north of Pemberton. Some structures have also been lost due to that aggressive fire, Ma said.
Since April 1, 1,176 wildfires have burned a total of 1.5 million hectares in B.C.
Recently, many of the wildfires of note in the Prince George Fire Centre have been downgraded, while other wildfires have flared up, impacting more residents.
The province remains under critical drought warnings, with 23 of 34 water basins in a drought level four or level five, Ma added.
“We are continuing to see an increasing number of businesses and communities face challenges because of drought,” she said.
“Our wildlife is also being impacted. Warmer environments due to climate change have prolonged the lifespan of moths that feed on Hemlock and Douglas firs allowing them to inflict a more severe impact on local trees.”
Ma said bears are also wandering into communities in search of food due to the scarcity of berries.
In the Kootenay region, recreational fishing in specific waters will be closed from 2 p.m. to midnight daily until Sept. 10 to protect the fish stocks.
There are currently 361 wildfires burning in B.C., with 13 of them considered a wildfire of note.