The following statement is from Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner with the Coroners Service of British Columbia, to mark International Overdose Awareness Day:

Hundreds of small businesses, First Nations and non-profit organizations are applying for the Canadian Red Cross small business emergency financial grant that was announced by the Province.

Small businesses can immediately access emergency financial support in areas that have been impacted by the B.C. wildfires, Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Minister Doug Donaldson announced today.

With weeks of British Columbia’s fire season remaining and no relief from hot, dry conditions in sight, the Province has asked the federal government for additional Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) support through September.

British Columbia’s wildfire-driven provincial state of emergency has been formally extended again, through the end of the day on Aug. 18, 2017. Premier John Horgan announced a previous extension on July 19.

With B.C. Day around the corner, everyone has a role to play in helping to prevent wildfires and having a safe, healthy long weekend.

As part of the Province’s 2012 agreement, the Canadian Red Cross is providing registration services to those displaced by wildfires in the province.

Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Emergency Management BC, this evening announced a provincial state of emergency to ensure a co-ordinated response to the current wildfire situation and to ensure public safety.