Disaster Financial Assistance Takes Leads in Helping BC Fires Victims
As of July 2nd, the Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) are now available for local government and First Nations in the regions that have been affected by the wildfires that started June 16, 2021.
The DFA helps community cover disaster-based losses not covered by insurance such as wildfire damages to public infrastructure which includes roads, bridges, and other public owned infrastructure. Folks who have been affected by the wildfires are urged to contact their insurance representative.
“As the Premier said yesterday, the provincial and federal governments will be there to help Lytton rebuild the community,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “That begins by helping the local governments and First Nations rebuild their public infrastructure, and Disaster Financial Assistance will be there to help communities throughout B.C. begin that process.”
The Government of Canada has also accepted a formal request for the Federal Assistance from British Columbia as of yesterday. As the Government of Canada continues to monitor and assess the wildfires situation 24/7, they are also keeping in mind the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and are taking the accurate measures needed.
Canadian Armed Forces assets will be made available to provide airlifts support to transport personnel, supplies, and equipment into and out of areas affected by the fires and to help with an evacuation if required.
“British Columbia is deploying all necessary resources in response to the disaster in Lytton and wildfires across the province, and we are grateful for the tireless efforts of the many thousands of people fighting the fires. We recognize that more resources will be needed to sustain this vital work through the summer. That’s why we’ve made a formal request for federal assistance to access additional help with air support – to move crews and equipment and provide emergency transport of personnel in hazardous conditions. We are grateful for the federal government’s commitment to assist with our efforts.”
— The Honourable Mike Farnworth, British Columbia’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General
British Columbians can contribute to trusted organizations, such as Food Banks BC and the Canadian Red Cross, who are aiding the province and local authorities in providing assistance to those affected by the wildfires.
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