British Columbians should remain alert to the threat of wildfire throughout August as conditions remain hot and dry.

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, have issued the following statement on prolonged heat warnings throughout B.C.:

The Province is launching upgrades to Emergency Support Services (ESS), including direct payment for evacuees to help meet their basic needs, including food and clothing.

British Columbians can expect higher temperatures as a high-pressure ridge is moving into B.C. and may result in heat warnings this weekend or early next week.

From the Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/intergovernmental-affairs/news/2022/07/minister-blair-announces-over-870-million-to-support-disaster-recovery-and-climate-resilience-in-british-columbia.html

First Nations and local governments can apply for funding for projects under the new Green Infrastructure Adaptation, Resilience and Disaster Mitigation (ARDM) program.

Strengthening support and capacity for the Tŝilhqot’in National Government and its communities to be true partners and leaders in emergency management is the foundation of the renewed five-year tripartite Collaborative Emergency Management Agreement (CEMA).

The Province is committing $21 million to help re-establish essential infrastructure and services, and sustain ongoing municipal and community-led recovery efforts.

British Columbians should take precautions this weekend, as Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the first hot stretch of the summer for most regions in B.C.