Emergency Support Services

• Emergency Support Services undergoes changes for upcoming wildfire season in B.C.

  The 2023 wildfire season strained B.C.’s emergency support services program — so much so that changes are being made for 2024.

  Canada

  Jun 18
  
• B.C. announces centralized booking system for evacuees needing hotel rooms

  Starting in June, emergency evacuees in three B.C. communities will be able to access an online hotel booking system when a climate crisis strikes, including wildfire or flooding.

  Canada

  May 4
  
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• B.C. seeking public input to improve disaster-related support

  “During the 2023 wildfire season, thousands of people were asked to evacuate their home on short notice,” said B.C. environment minister George Heyman.

  Canada

  Jan 4
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• Evacuation order downgraded to alert for Horn Lake area in Cariboo region

  The alert covers 28 parcels in the Horn Lake area, which is more than 6,300 hectares south of the community of Tatla Lake.

  Fire

  Sep 17, 2023
• Village of Lytton under alert, orders issued for wildfires in Fraser Canyon region

  Two wildfires has enacted evacuation orders and alerts for a number of communities in the Fraser Canyon region, including the entire village of Lytton.

  Fire

  Aug 18, 2023
• Two dozen displaced after motel fire in Penticton

  Flames broke out of a second-corner unit sometime after 9 p.m., displacing the two dozen residents.

  Canada

  Apr 1, 2023
• B.C. ombudsperson probes disaster relief programs with review

  B.C.'s ombudsperson is investigating how provincial government programs supported residents forced from their homes and communities during wildfires and floods last year.

  Politics

  Oct 6, 2022
• Fire destroys two houses, motorhome in Vernon, B.C.

  “This has been a tragic event, however, we are grateful to say that all occupants of both homes were safely evacuated and the residents are now receiving assistance through ESS.

  Fire

  Jun 8, 2022
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• Okanagan communities receive provincial funding to improve Emergency Support Services

  Over $1.9 million in provincial emergency preparedness funding will be distributed to communities across the province including in the Okanagan.

  Canada

  May 8, 2022
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• B.C. flooding: Merritt evacuee reflects on ‘generosity and kindness’ found in Kelowna

  The Merritt, B.C., woman left her home when the city-wide evacuation order came down last Monday and was sent to Kelowna to find refuge through Emergency Support Services.

  News

  Nov 22, 2021