Red Cross responding as B.C. wildfires force thousands from their homes

Massive wildfires have triggered a province-wide state of emergency in British Columbia. Lightning, dry weather and wind throughout the region have caused fires to spread quickly, forcing thousands of people from their homes. At least 138 wildfires were sparked in a single day on July 7. Urgent support is needed for individuals and families evacuated from their communities.

The Canadian Red Cross is supporting the B.C. government in providing relief for those affected and a British Columbia Fires Appeal has been opened for Canadians who wish to help those in need.

If you have been evacuated, please call the contact centre at 1-800-863-6582 to have an agent help you register.

During a major disaster such as this, our response needs to be swift to ensure help reaches those who need it most.

The Red Cross is responding to meet the needs of communities affected by the fires by:  

• Providing registration services on behalf of the Province of B.C. and encouraging ALL evacuees to register with them.
• Registering will help us know where everyone is and that they’re safe. It will also allow us to contact people directly as more information and assistance become available. It also allows us to help reunite families separated by the disaster.
• Activating its disaster response volunteers.
• Having additional volunteers and supplies pre-positioned across the country ready to be deployed, if needed.

Your generous donation to the B.C. Fires Appeal will help provide immediate relief such as cots, blankets, family reunification as well as financial assistance so individuals and families can get the food, clothing, shelter, and anything else that can help them recover from this tragedy.

When incidents such as wildfires cause damage that results in widespread humanitarian need, the Red Cross can respond thanks to loyal donors who support our work and a network of highly trained disaster response volunteers. 

Photo: Theo Faber