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A provincial state of emergency has been declared in B.C. due to the wildfires. 

The state of emergency applies to the whole province and ensures federal, provincial and local resources can be delivered in a coordinated response to protect the public. 

The state of emergency will be in effect for 14 days, and may be extended or rescinded as necessary.

"Public safety is always our first priority and, as wildfire activity is expected to increase, this is a progressive step in our wildfire response to make sure British Columbia has access to any and all resources necessary," stated Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. "Taking this step will further ensure we can protect the public, property and infrastructure, and assist with firefighting efforts."

As of Aug. 14, there were 566 wildfires burning in B.C., with 29 evacuation orders affecting approximately 3,050 people (1,521 properties), in addition to 48 evacuation alerts impacting approximately 18,720 people (9,359 properties). 

The extended weather forecast calls for continued hot and dry conditions, with a risk of thunderstorms in some parts of the province.

Currently, more than 3,372 firefighters and contractors are actively engaged in fighting fires in all fire regions of the province. This includes 1,427 B.C. contract personnel, as well as 436 out-of-province personnel from Alberta, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Parks Canada, Australia, Mexico and New Zealand.