Red Cross sets up special fund to help people displaced by BC wildfires

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Local politicians are appealing to the province to provide disaster relief funding for the dozens of people who have lost their homes in wildfires in the Southern Interior last week.

The threat needs to have passed and the damage accounted for before it can be determined if the government will step in. That’s likely a long wait for the people who already know they’ve lost their homes west of Rock Creek.

Chair of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Grace McGregor says she’s made the official request with the province.

“That’s part of my job. It’s really important that rural BC is looked after because all of our resources are in rural BC.”

At least 30 homes have burned to the ground west of Rock Creek. That fire is 3,700 hectares and completely uncontained.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross is on the ground, helping people displaced by destructive wildfires. Members are helping them find the bare necessities.

There’s also the issue of people who have lost everything. BC Director Kimberley Nemrava says the experience is completely foreign to these people and they need support.

“Whether they’re lucky enough to be cleaning their homes or whether they’re a family that needs a lot of support as they try to figure out what the next steps are going to be for them because their home has been destroyed… we’ll meet with the various people impacted.”

A special fund has been set up. Click here to make a donation.

Meanwhile, two fires near Oliver are getting under control.

The Wilsons Mountain fire is 70 per cent contained and evacuees are now allowed back. The Testalinden fire is 40 per cent contained but people living in about 100 homes are still being forced to stay away.

Some of the evacuation orders that were in effect have been lifted.

Here is the full release.

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