This is the first order under the provincial state of emergency
One day after declaring a state of emergency due to B.C.’s wildfire situation, the province has issued an order banning non-essential travel to fire-affected communities.
In the update Saturday (Aug. 19), Premier David Eby, Emergency Minister Bowinn Ma and Forests Minister Bruce Ralston joined officials with BC Wildfire Service to provide an update.
Roughly 35,000 people are displaced by evacuation orders and 35,000 are under alert preparing for possible orders to escape at short notice.
The new order is in response to the “urgent need” for accommodations for those being forced out of their homes, Eby said.
This is specifically for the communities of Kelowna, Kamloops, Oliver, Osoyoos, Penticton and Vernon.
The premier started the news conference by thanking frontline crews after what he called a challenging night.
“We have seen heroic efforts… heard harrowing stories about last night and I want to thank all local officials leading efforts,” Eby said.
“The current situation is grim.”
More to come.
B.C. Wildfires 2023Breaking News
B.C. WILDFIRES: Non-essential travel restricted to many Okanagan communities
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