The B.C. government has extended the provincial state of emergency until Aug. 29 in response to ongoing wildfire risks across the province.
Emergency management officials said the extension ensures the province can continue to use powers available under the Emergency and Disaster Management Act if required.
Since the state of emergency was declared on Aug. 8, no emergency orders have been issued. However, officials said keeping the declaration in place ensures tools and resources remain available for a rapid response should conditions worsen.
Wildfire activity continues to be a concern in several regions of B.C. The state of emergency was initially declared in response to multiple fires, particularly the Bald Range wildfire, which forced more than 20,000 people to evacuate.
While many residents have since returned home, thousands of people across the province remain under evacuation orders or alerts.
The wildfire threat remains elevated in the Okanagan and other areas due to ongoing warm and dry weather conditions.
