Premier David Eby meets with wildfire evacuees and emergency personnel in Penticton
Emergency Support Services staffing increased 400%; province securing accommodation for evacuees as Summerland fire continues to grow
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Premier David Eby visited Penticton on Wednesday to meet with evacuees, local leaders, emergency personnel, and community organizations responding to wildfires that have forced thousands from their homes across the province.
During the visit, Eby spoke with families forced to leave their homes with little warning and business owners worried about their employees and future. He also met with local mayors, First Nations leadership, firefighters, and emergency responders.
"To everyone who has been evacuated, who is under alert, who has lost property or who is living with uncertainty right now: know that you are not facing this alone. Our entire province stands with you," Eby said in a statement.
The province acknowledged that during the peak of evacuations in Summerland this past weekend, some evacuees experienced delays accessing Emergency Support Services. In response, the B.C. government has increased staffing on the Evacuee Helpline by more than 400 per cent, deployed additional staff to the region, and is working to secure more accommodation throughout the Okanagan.
Emergency Support Services can assist evacuees with basic needs including accommodation, food, and essential items. Evacuees can contact their local reception centre, visit www.ESS.gov.bc.ca, or call the B.C. Evacuee Helpline at 1-800-387-4258.
Eby also thanked volunteers staffing reception centres, hotel operators making room for evacuees, businesses donating supplies and meals, and families opening their homes to neighbours and strangers. He acknowledged the heroic efforts of firefighters and emergency personnel, including those who have come from around the world to help.
"Our priority is supporting evacuees, protecting people and ensuring the BC Wildfire Service, front-line firefighters and emergency responders have the resources they need. We will continue working closely with local governments, First Nations and communities to get help where it is needed," Eby said.
By the numbers
By how much did Emergency Support Services staffing increase?
Emergency Support Services staffing on the Evacuee Helpline increased by more than 400 per cent in response to delays during peak evacuations in Summerland.
What assistance can evacuees access through Emergency Support Services?
Emergency Support Services can assist evacuees with accommodation, food, and essential items. Evacuees can contact their local reception centre, visit www.ESS.gov.bc.ca, or call the B.C. Evacuee Helpline at 1-800-387-4258.
