The Mayor of Clearwater says its time for the B.C. Government to declare a provincial state of emergency because of the wildfires.

Merlin Blackwell tells NL News the situation has gotten so bad since a July 5 meeting where the TNRD board voted not to ask for that provincial state of emergency. At that meeting, Blackwell voted against asking for that declaration, he’s since changed his mind.

“Just looking at the Cariboo this morning and the escalating number of evacuation alerts happening on the Highway 97 corridor, that kind of thing is happening across central British Columbia right now,” he said. “I don’t think we’re keeping up.”

“I’m a big fan of changing your mind when you learn new stuff and I think we’re there now, and I think we’ve been there for a couple of days.”

During a stop in Kamloops last week, Premier John Horgan said the government is doing everything it can to assist wildfire firefighters, noting that declaring another state of emergency won’t change the situation on the ground.

“We’re confident that every resources that can be mustered is being mustered. A state of emergency’s not required to do that,” Horgan said.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth added that B.C. is already getting help from the federal government, adding a fire-related state of emergency would only be implemented at the behest of wildfire officials.

“It’s not a political decision,” he said. “It’s done on the advice of the men and women of the B.C. Wildfire Service.”

But Blackwell says the provincial government needs to act right now, instead of trying to play catch up in the future.

“I know the B.C. Government has said that everything they’ve asked for has been given to them at this point but there are extra resources through contractors who can’t really be broken free of their day jobs until a provincial state of emergency is declared,” he added.

“We may have the resources that we think we need right but with this long range forecast, I would rather be prepared.”

Blackwell adds he understands no one wants to go back into a state of emergency after a lengthy one because of COVID-19, but he notes at this point, it is required.

“We need to start thinking about the next two weeks and the next two months and the fact that it doesn’t look like there is any real relief for us,” he said. “I think we’re in this for the long haul and we need to start thinking that way.”

It’s time for a Provincial State of Emergency on Wildfires. The forecast is horrendous, hot and no rain for 2 weeks. Most local BC Wildfire resources have been shifted out of our district. Time to act, not react. All hands on deck. @ThomasforBC @PeterMilobar @KatrineConroy

— Merlin Blackwell, Mayor (@BlackwellMerlin) July 14, 2021