DFA Monitoring Wildfire in British Columbia; No Reports Yet Of Injuries Or Casualties

31 July 2018 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is closely monitoring a wildfire spreading in a forested area in Vancouver, British Columbia, caused by an extended heatwave in the Canadian province.

The DFA said the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is currently checking the situation of the 15,000 members of the Filipino Community in the suburban area of Richmond and stands ready to provide assistance to affected nationals.

According to Consul General Maria Andrelita Austria, there are still no reported injuries or fatalities from the fire, but it has affected movement in the area as a major highway was closed because of the thick smoke.

Health authorities have issued a smoky skies bulletin for most of British Columbia, with the elderly, children and those with health issues asked to take extra precaution when outdoors as fire crews are controlling the blaze.

There are also similar wildfires in the Okanagan Valley in southern British Columbia, with no reports yet of injuries or casualties.

Consul General Austria said a team from the Consulate General is currently conducting a consular outreach in the area and will be checking on Filipinos who may have been affected. END