Record-Breaking Heat in British Columbia Leads to Surge in Emergency Calls

Recent record-breaking temperatures in British Columbia have led to a significant increase in emergency calls. According to a message from BC Emergency Health Services to CBC, there has been a notable rise in heat-related medical emergencies. From Friday to Monday, emergency services responded to 78 heat-related incidents across the province.
Amid this heatwave, the number of active wildfires in the province has surged, with over 30 new fires igniting in the past 24 hours. Meteorologists have warned of strong winds, lightning, and thunderstorms in northern British Columbia. In an online update, the BC Wildfire Service stated, ” After seven consecutive days of extreme heat, forest fuels are more susceptible to new wildfire starts,” the BCWS.”

According to the British Columbia Meteorological Service, smoke from the 1.3-square-kilometre Little Oliver Creek fire will be visible along Highway 16 and in the Terrace area of British Columbia. Additionally, the 2.4-square-kilometre Hawk Creek fire has spiraled out of control near the Yukon border and is visible from the Alaska Highway.
DriveBC reported that Highway 77, which spans 138 kilometers from northwest Fort Nelson to the Northwest Territories, was closed on Tuesday, June 9, due to a wildfire. The highway remained closed until noon on Wednesday, June 10. The BCWS advised, “Personnel are constantly monitoring and assessing conditions, and resources are deployed to areas of highest risk.”
The British Columbia Disaster Management Authority stated that staff are continuously monitoring and assessing conditions, deploying resources to the most vulnerable areas.

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