Ont. sending firefighters, equipment to fight wildfires in B.C.

“The system is that we have statutory access to contingencies so that we ensure that we have the resources available to address whatever the situation is”.

The Huckleberry fire, which prompted an evacuation order and alert, was contained by July 5, 2015.

He says the ministry has begun prioritizing response based on factors such as human life and safety, property, critical habitat and timber.

“We’re committed to safeguarding B.C.’s families, natural resources and infrastructure from wildfires”, said Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson. “Anyone who causes damage to Crown forest or grass land through arson or recklessness can be fined up to $1 million or spend up to three years in prison”.

The B.C. Wildfire Service recorded 23 new fires Monday, with 184 active fires in the province.

Supports for British Columbians impacted by wildfires: Emergency Social Services (ESS) support has been provided for over 200 people in B.C. due to the wildfires east of Kelowna and in Port Hardy.

He said the advisories will remain in effect, even though the air quality has improved. The bombers were in Kamloops today and are heading to Vancouver Island later in the day, says a fire information officer in Kamloops.

Fire bans have been implemented across the province as the fire danger rating reaches a high to extreme level throughout most of the province. Very young, elderly and those with chronic lung and heart conditions or diabetes are advised to stay indoors and reduce physical activity, with air conditioning or filtering if available.

A ministry official says while the mountainous terrain provides challenges for the Ontario firefighters, it shouldn’t be a problem for them.

About 9,000 people have been forced from their homes in more than 50 communities in the northern part of that province.