Red Cross responds to B.C. forest fires, 2003
Raging forest fires that have forced thousands of people from their homes have triggered Canadian Red Cross disaster response operations in British Columbia.
Three separate fires in B.C.’s Interior have resulted in the evacuation of as many as 8,500 residents and prompted declaration of a state of emergency. In response, Red Cross is assisting the provincial government in the registering evacuees and is operating a bureau that is reconnecting families who have lost contact due to the fires.
To date, nearly 4,000 evacuees have registered, providing disaster response agencies with a picture of how many people remain displaced, where they are and the kind of support they require. In addition, Red Cross has addressed nearly 1,000 requests to trace the whereabouts of residents or travelers in the areas. Those still seeking information regarding the whereabouts of evacuated loved ones in B.C. can call the Red Cross at 1-888-350-6070.
Red Cross is also managing the Emergency Social Services (ESS) Staffing Bureau in Kamloops where several relief agencies coordinate the human resource requirements of four reception centres that have been established to serve evacuees.
In the meantime, several communities in northern B.C. remain under threat from a forest fire in the Alexis Creek area. About 2,000 residents in the area remain on evacuation alert. Red Cross disaster response personnel from Prince George, Fort Nelson are prepared to help.
How to help
Red Cross is now accepting cash donations to be used to help those affected by the B.C. fires to meet basic recovery needs not addressed through insurance or other assistance. Cash donations can be made by calling 1-800-418-1111 or by donating online.
