Forest fires in British Columbia: the prolonged state of emergency

Photo AFP

AFP

Saturday, August 5, 2017 10:20

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Saturday, August 5, 2017 10:24

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British Columbia, ravaged by violent forest fires for several weeks, has extended the state of emergency for the second time, in order to fight against more than a hundred fires still active in this province in Western canada.

The state of emergency is extended until 18 August, announced on Friday the government of British Columbia, stating that this allows them to better mobilize resources to combat the fire and ensure the safety of the population.

Put in place last July 7, the state of emergency had been extended for the first time on 19 July.

Most of the 46 000 people had to be evacuated to escape the flames during the most critical period were able to return home, but some 7,000 people remained subject to a measure of evacuation, according to the authorities.

122 fires were still active in the province at the end of the week. They mobilize 3.800 firefighters, of which over 600 are from other provinces or other countries. Mexico announced that it would send 108 firefighters to give a helping hand to their colleagues in British Columbia.

Since April 1 of this year, 868 forest fires charred a total of 509 558 hectares in the province.

The government of British Columbia has announced that it was providing the evacuated aid of 600 dollars (400 euros) per family, assistance is renewable every two weeks until the evacuees can return home.