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Over the weekend, a state of emergency was declared in B.C. due to the devastating wildfires in the south Okanagan near Summerland. Thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate and, according to the province, there have been “significant losses of homes and property.”

Teams of BC Wildfire Service crews, first responders, emergency management and RCMP have been working overnight to protect people, their homes and communities. CBC reports that the fire behaviour in all four major fires in B.C. is “explosive.”

Declaring a state of emergency for the province allows the government to use what’s called “extraordinary measures.” In reporting from The Globe and Mail, B.C. Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Kelly Greene said in the case of these fires, the state of emergency allows officials to take over accommodations or put local travel restrictions in place if needed. 

So what does that mean for us on the Island? For starters, visitors are being asked to avoid regions where these wildfires are taking place. As smoke makes its way here from the fires, we may start to notice changes in air quality as well. And while there currently aren’t any major fires on Vancouver Island, they could happen at a moment’s notice, meaning it’s important to not only be cautious when out and about, but prepared as well.

I’ve put together a short list of The Discourse’s past reporting relating to wildfires. Some of the information may be dated as this reporting is from previous years, but so many of the tips, information and tools are still relevant. Check out these stories:

What does a 10+ air quality rating mean anyway?

As wildfires burn, here’s how you can get prepared and stay safe

Q&A: How do wildfires impact our watersheds?

What are forestry companies doing to prevent wildfires?

Newsletter: Who started it? Six surprising ways wildfires ignite

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In other news

👉 The use of off-road vehicles including all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and off-road side-by-side vehicles for recreation is temporarily banned in B.C. to prevent and mitigate wildfire during dry and hot weather. Operating these vehicles creates potential wildfire risk, including from unintentional ignitions that can spark new fires, according to the province. This prohibition is in effect in the Coastal Fire Centre on Crown land, with exceptions to North Island/Mid-Coast, Mid-Island and Sunshine Coast. Find more information and a map of affected areas here. It is also in effect in the Southeast, Kamloops and Cariboo fire centres.

👉 A motion to investigate making a temporary art exhibit on Nanaimo’s Chinatowns permanent passed unanimously at a recent council meeting, CHLY101.7 FM reports. The motion was made by Coun. Hilary Eastmure and directs staff to prepare a report on the process and costs to purchase the artwork, titled Lost Intersections.

👉 The closure of the Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre Association in Nanaimo has left gaps in the community for those who relied on the not-for-profit’s services, Nanaimo News Now reports.

👉  Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation is looking to raise $75,000 to provide students in need with school supplies as well as support covering student fees, planner fees and more, the Nanaimo Bulletin reports.

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