More RCMP and Canadian Armed Forces are helping crews in the Interior

There are about 150 wildfires burning in BC right now

KAMLOOPS (NEWS 1130) – As firefighters continue to battle 150 wildfires across the province, BC’s new forests minister is already looking ahead to what can be done to keep this volatile summer from being repeated.

Map of more than 120 large wildfires active across #BC. #Kamloops news conference starting at 11:45am. @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/WIjnDtS5IQ — Marcella Bernardo (@Bernardo1130) July 20, 2017

Doug Donaldson has only had the job for a couple of days but he says he took some time earlier this week to review recommendations made by former Manitoba Premier Gary Filmon following the devastating 2003 wildfire season.

“Some of the recommendations were acted on. Others need further action and so, today I want to focus on the public safety aspects, people’s homes, people’s livestock, and people’s lives.”

Donaldson is in Kamloops with Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth who has confirmed 225 military personnel are coming to BC from Edmonton to help fight the fires. “Primarily, it will be on key access points, road routes in the Interior.”

Farnworth says there is enough money in the $100 million fund set up by the previous Liberal government to ensure all evacuees get at least two payments of $600 if they are out of their homes for two weeks. “I hope we get a big rain storm that puts everything out, but we’re just at the beginning, so we’re going to make sure people are looked after.”

Fire Information Officer Navi Saini says the current situation may seem worse than past years, but it’s not. “We are lower than the 10-year average for fires to date. This year, [there have been] 688 and the 10-year average is 702. Really, this year it’s just been the human impact.”

Fire Information Officer Navi Saini says rain helped crews fighting in #Cariboo and 2017 stats still lower than 10-year average. @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/wG9j0rX9yK — Marcella Bernardo (@Bernardo1130) July 20, 2017

Fines and penalties for people caught causing a wildfire has gone up.

“As the wildfire situation continues to evolve, the RCMP and our partner agencies are planning for the long-term sustainability of core policing duties in the province while maintaining our ability to have a timely response to emerging fire issues,” says Deputy Commissioner Brenda Butterworth-Carr, commanding officer of the BC RCMP. “The RCMP will continue to have a robust presence within evacuated and affected areas, while also overseeing the specific duties assigned to the Canadian Armed Forces.”

Approximately 150 CAF personnel are also in Williams Lake and the surrounding area bringing the total number of members deployed to BC to 375.

Remember if you see smoke, flames or any other fire concerns you’re asked to call *5555 or 1.800.663.5555.