B.C. Wildfire ServiceAs much of British Columbia continues to experience one of the hottest and driest summers in history, the Canadian Red Cross is scaling up its efforts to help people affected by fast-spreading wildfires.
In the community of Rock Creek, 30 homes were lost to a blaze that was sparked on August 14. Hundreds of people had to evacuate with only a few moments to spare.
“We drove through the fire to escape, and we were the last ones to get out,” said Denis Lessard in an interview with CBC. “It was horrible. This fire was so fast.”
Tinder dry conditions in B.C. forests have left the entire province on edge. Concern is high over the potential for more aggressive wildfire activity. Some areas like B.C.’s southern interior are now in stage 4 drought conditions, leaving large areas at high risk for wildfires. As of August 16, the province had already battled more than 1,600 wildfires this year.
Those forced to flee their homes are now facing a stressful and uncertain situation.
Red Cross disaster response teams are on the ground, helping people meet their basic needs with items like hygiene kits, water, cots and blankets. Red Cross volunteers are also helping families reunite with loved ones who may have been evacuated.
Donate to the Red Cross response in B.C.
To support people affected by wildfires in B.C., please donate to our B.C. Wildfires 2015 fund online at www.redcross.ca/bcwildfires2015 or by telephone at 1-800-418-1111.
Donations to the B.C. Wildfires 2015 fund will help provide immediate assistance to impacted individuals and families in places like Rock Creek as well as other communities that could still be threatened by fires in the weeks ahead.