Due to the destruction caused by wildfires raging across BC, a provincial state of emergency was declared on August 15. The Emergency Program Act provides the government sweeping powers.
“They're very big powers that are not meant to be taken lightly,” said qathet Regional District manager of emergency services Ryan Thoms.
These regulations could have an affect on the three governments in the Powell River area, including City of Powell River, qathet Regional District and Tla’amin Nation. But, according to Thoms, the provincial state of emergency does not give any of them additional powers.
However, the three governments can declare a local state of emergency, which would likely be implemented outside of a province-wide disaster.
The provincial authority would be mirrored here, putting it in the hands of the areas that can best deal with the emergency. But the intent is not to have a local declaration of emergency that extends 100 kilometres away into the backcountry, according to Thoms.
“All three governments here have the ability through the same act and regulation to declare local states of emergency,” said Thoms. “That's our local authority process to achieve those same powers if warranted. Fortunately we haven't had any of that here locally and there is no need at this point to have those declarations.”
With the exception of the last few years, Thoms said provincial states of emergency are rare.
“If you look at local states of emergency,” he added, “they're unfortunately becoming a little more common because of things like fires, floods and landslides.”
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1.800.663.5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
