Another $10M in funding coming for B.C. communities affected by 2018 wildfires

As California deals with a wave of devastating November wildfires, the B.C. government has announced more funding for communities still recovering from this province’s summer fires.

The $10-million in provincial funding will be distributed through an agreement with the Canadian Red Cross.

It’s in addition to the $3.1-million that was raised through public donations to the Red Cross this summer, which were matched by the organization.

"While the fires are now out, British Columbians can rest assured that government support will be sustained," said Mike Farnworth, minister of public safety.

"Our province is facing a long-term and complicated recovery process for the second year in a row, and the effects to communities and local economies that were impacted by the 2018 wildfire season have been significant.”

Farnworth expects the funding to go a long way in helping communities and wildfire victims to get back on their feet.

It’ll be used to remove debris from private land, make repairs, disposing and replacing refrigerators and freezers, providing health and wellness supports and much more.

"Many parts of the province were heavily impacted by wildfires this past summer, and communities and businesses need our support as they re-establish their lives and livelihoods," said Jennifer Rice, parliamentary secretary for emergency preparedness.

Rice said the government "has been working diligently to ensure the immediate critical needs in impacted communities have been met and this additional funding can now help wildfire victims through the next stage of their recovery."

Assistance will be determined on a case-by-case basis and won’t duplicate assistance already provided through insurance, government or other programs.

The priority for this funding is to help individuals and families who are most vulnerable.