Behind British Columbia’s many wildfire-fighting crews stands a team of provincial inmates who provide vital support to those serving on the front lines.

Fentanyl has been detected in more than four of every five illicit-drug overdose deaths in British Columbia through the first seven months of 2017, according to the latest statistics from the BC Coroners Service.

B.C.’s wildfire-driven provincial state of emergency has been formally extended again, through the end of day on Sept. 15, 2017.

Summer is gradually coming to a close, but the wildfire risk in many parts of the province remains a very serious concern. British Columbians are urged to exercise caution and remain vigilant to help prevent human-caused wildfires.

Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has issued the following statement regarding International Overdose Awareness Day, Aug. 31, 2017:

As part of a strategy to address gang violence and make communities safer, the British Columbia government will invest $500,000 from civil forfeiture grants into anti-gang programming for youth in Surrey, Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, announced today.

The stories of people taken by the overdose crisis come from every corner of the province. A forestry worker in the North who became addicted to painkillers for a workplace injury and then turned to street drugs. Friends celebrating after a wedding in the Interior. Suburban parents who left behind young children. Middle-aged men who were clean and sober for years.

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.

Illicit drug deaths in British Columbia continue to be a serious concern with the number of overdose deaths in the province up 88% compared with the same period in 2016, according to the latest statistics from the BC Coroners Service.