What’s happening

British Columbia (BC) has declared a state of emergency in response to the deadly wildfires raging across the Canadian province. View a map of the fires. Over 30,000 people have been told to evacuate, with another 36,000 being told to be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

In the Northwest Territories (NWT), there are approx. 236 active fires as can be viewed on this map. Fires remained about 15 kilometres from the capital of Yellowknife, which has been almost completely evacuated. Only a couple thousand of the northern capital’s 20,000 people remain and about half of them are emergency workers. Firefighters trying to keep wildfires at bay from the city of Yellowknife were taking stock of the situation Sunday morning after cooler, damp weather gave them a break Saturday.

Your thoughts and prayers for everyone affected are urgently needed.

How many brothers and sisters live in the affected area?

There are 12 ecclesias in BC and none in NWT. 2 of the ecclesias in BC – Vernon and Kamloops – are directly affected, consisting of about 70 brothers and sisters. The Winfield Bible school which was to be start this past weekend in Vernon has been cancelled as a result, although classes are available by Zoom.

How can I help affected communities?

• The Canadian Red Cross – You can donate to the Red Cross by by going to the website here, and indicating you want to support the appeal for the wildfires in British Columbia. You also can call 1-800-418-1111.
• United Way of British Columbia has started a BC Wildfire Recovery Fund, saying on their website that the fund will “ensure local people have access to urgent aid, and as emergency needs are reduced, support for recovering and rebuilding their lives.” You can donate on their website.
• As verified by CanadaHelps, the Central Okanagan Food Bank is also open for donations. They are providing emergency food provisions for evacuated B.C. residents. You can donate to help through the link to their campaign.
  • For additional ways to support people in BC, read this article
• United Way North West Territories – the United N.W.T has set up an emergency campaign in response to the ongoing wildfires to support CRA certified organizations in the Northwest Territories with their immediate needs like food, fuel and other expenses.
• Veterinarians without Borders is dedicated to supporting animals in the northern regions of Canada and addressing animal care in response to the wildfires. The organization is currently supporting communities by offering temporary veterinary clinics in under-served areas in the N.W.T and Nunavut.