Photo: RCMP

As the province declares a state of emergency due to intense wildfire activity in British Columbia, the RCMP has now been called in to assist with wildfire impacts throughout the province.

RCMP resources from across the province are being deployed to assist communities that are being most affected by fire.

“Fortunately, to date, our deployment of resources has remained less than what was required last year.  RCMP employees, specialized services and equipment are being sent to assist RCMP detachments in the communities that have been directly affected by wildfires, particularly within Central, Northern, and Southern BC,” says Deputy Commissioner Brenda Butterworth-Carr, Commanding Officer of the BC RCMP.

Officers are being deployed to help man checkpoints as required, and provide relief to local RCMP detachments.

“While officers are being deployed to affected regions, core policing duties in the communities they originate will be maintained without interruption.  To support these efforts the BC RCMP Division Emergency Operations Centre has been activated in order to coordinated resource requests, logistics, planning, and support services including safety and wellness of our employees,” advises D/Commr. Butterworth-Carr.

As wildfire conditions across the province vary BC RCMP are asking for the public's help to ensure that everyone subject to an evacuation order or alert, or is travelling by check points to exercise caution and patience.

“Our ultimate goal is to ensure the safety of all people in affected areas. We would encourage all people to drive safely and follow the directions of the emergency personnel.”