Close X
Saturday, November 23, 2024
ADVT 
National

Better B.C. wildfire links will save lives: report

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 22 Sep, 2021 01:56 PM
  • Better B.C. wildfire links will save lives: report

KAMLOOPS, B.C. - A report examining British Columbia's response to the record-setting wildfire seasons of 2017 and 2018 says improving communication with communities at risk of fire will save properties and lives.

The report from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, B.C., makes six recommendations, including ensuring remote and Indigenous communities have robust communications systems in place where emergency officials can relay fast and accurate information about wildfires.

Prof. Michael Mehta, who led the study, says improving internet services to remote communities or at least supplying local officials with a satellite phone to communicate prompt wildfire information offers better protection.

While the study didn't look at B.C.'s recent wildfire season, Mehta says the fire-ravaged communities of Lytton and Monte Creek faced communication challenges, where residents weren't getting the information they needed to get out.

Mehta says communication also needs to be extended to helping people after fire sweeps through their community because anxiety levels are elevated and victims need to know how to make the right decisions.

B.C. Wildfire Service executive director Ian Meier says the service has the report and is committed to continuous improvement.

A 2018 report by former B.C. cabinet minister George Abbott and hereditary chief Maureen Chapman called for an overhaul of the province's disaster response, including improving communications gaps and relations with First Nations.

 

MORE National ARTICLES

4 investigations tied to alleged drug trafficking with drugs found in suspect's underwear: Surrey RCMP

4 investigations tied to alleged drug trafficking with drugs found in suspect's underwear: Surrey RCMP
One of the suspect had gone so far as to sew a pocket into their undies, specifically for hiding illicit drugs. In total officers seized 11 grams of methamphetamine, 31 grams of cocaine, 7.81 grams of fentanyl and over $8000 in cash. All four of the vehicles were seized as offence related property.    

4 investigations tied to alleged drug trafficking with drugs found in suspect's underwear: Surrey RCMP

Vancouver home sales plateau after highs in March

Vancouver home sales plateau after highs in March
The board says new homes have continued to be built during the pandemic, with a specific focus on projects for the rental market. It says Metro Vancouver's job market continues to recover, but the recovery will be slower in the future.

Vancouver home sales plateau after highs in March

Man killed in Vancouver Downtown shooting at Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel identified as Amandeep Manj.

Man killed in Vancouver Downtown shooting at Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel identified as Amandeep Manj.
The 35-year-old was found dead in a vehicle in the underground parkade of the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel yesterday afternoon. Officers and paramedics attended and he was pronounced dead on scene.

Man killed in Vancouver Downtown shooting at Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel identified as Amandeep Manj.

Five Eyes ties still strong, Canada insists

Five Eyes ties still strong, Canada insists
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the agreement will have no impact on the Five Eyes partnership, which comprises the three AUKUS players, plus Canada and New Zealand.    

Five Eyes ties still strong, Canada insists

COVID-19 vaccines given new monikers in Canada

COVID-19 vaccines given new monikers in Canada
Health Canada points out the vaccines themselves are not changing — only the names are. The new names are already being used for promotional purposes in the EU and the United States.

COVID-19 vaccines given new monikers in Canada

Alberta schools scramble to meet new COVID rules

Alberta schools scramble to meet new COVID rules
The schools include University of Alberta and MacEwan University in Edmonton, the University of Lethbridge, Mount Royal University in Calgary and the University of Calgary.

Alberta schools scramble to meet new COVID rules