To help people affected by the wildfires that are burning around B.C., the Province of British Columbia will match all donations to the Red Cross, up to $20 million.

“The Red Cross is on the ground, helping people and communities affected by the wildfires burning around the province,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness. “The Province is supporting this critical work by matching contributions to the Red Cross, so donations will go even further.”

The Canadian Red Cross works with the Province, local authorities and First Nations leadership to help people and communities impacted by the wildfires.

“We know people in B.C. and across the country are concerned and want to help. Donating to the Red Cross is a great way to do that,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. “Our government is doing everything we can to support firefighters and emergency responders, and keep people and communities as safe as possible. The Red Cross provides critical help in emergency situations like this. It’s important that we support that work.”

The Province will match donations from individual British Columbians until Oct. 12, 2018.

British Columbians wishing to make a financial donation to help those impacted by the B.C. fires can do so by calling 1 800 418-1111, contacting their local Canadian Red Cross office or online: www.redcross.ca

The B.C. government declared a provincial state of emergency on Aug. 15 to support the provincewide response to the ongoing wildfire situation.

The state of emergency is initially in effect for 14 days once issued, and may be extended or rescinded as necessary.

To report a wildfire or open-burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free, or *5555 on a cellphone.

For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, call 1 888 3-FOREST or visit: www.bcwildfire.ca 

You can follow the latest wildfire news:

• On Twitter: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
• On Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo