Latest news with #TatlaLake
CTV News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Canada introduces new measures for wildfire-affected communities amid record season
The Martin Lake fire burning northwest of Tatla Lake, B.C. is seen in this handout image on Monday, June 16, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - BC Wildfire Service (Mandatory Credit) As one of the most destructive wildfire seasons continues to unfold across Canada, the federal government has unveiled new support measured aimed at helping people displaced or affected by the blazes. In a statement released Wednesday, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said it will offer free replacements for Canadians and permanent residents who lost important documents in the wildfires, including passports and permanent resident cards. If they already paid to replace the documents on or after April 1, they can request a refund. For temporary residents affected by the wildfires, including international students and temporary foreign workers, they are also eligible for free replacements of immigration documents, as well as no-cost renewals or restoration of their work or study permit in Canada. 'The requirement for temporary residents to apply for the restoration of their status within 90 days of losing their status will also be waived for those impacted by wildfires,' the press release said. The federal government clarified that these measures do not apply to employer-specific work permit holders who wish to transition to an open work permit. This year's fire season — the second-worst on record in Canadian history — has seen wildfires consume 3.7 million hectares, six times the area of P.E.I. As of July, there are approximately 465 wildfires burning across the country, with several classified as 'out of control,' according to Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. Application and biometric fees are also waived for foreign emergency services personnel coming to Canada to help fight the wildfires. All these measures are in effect until Nov. 30.
CTV News
23-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Cool weather, rain expected to aid B.C. fire fight but drought persists in northeast
The Martin Lake fire burning northwest of Tatla Lake, B.C. is seen in this handout image on Monday, June 16, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO — BC Wildfire Service **MANDATORY CREDIT** The BC Wildfire Service says cool and rainy weather that has helped temper fire activity is expected to continue this week, though drought conditions will persist in the northeast. It says that means that region remains dry and at risk for new fire starts. The service says isolated thunderstorms are forecast for the south and central Interior. The update comes as the Cariboo Regional District lifted an evacuation alert that was issued last Wednesday for properties near a blaze about 220 kilometres west of Williams Lake. The Martin Lake wildfire is now under control, which the wildfire service credits to crew efforts and favourable weather. It says there are about 80 wildfires actively burning in B.C., most of which are situated in the province's northeast corner and were caused by lightning. It says 41 per cent are classified as out of control, 23 per cent are being held while 36 per cent are deemed under control. Three major blazes were downgraded in the northeast last week and are no longer wildfires of note, a status indicating a fire is highly visible or a threat to communities. The province now has no wildfires of note. This report by Brieanna Charlebois, The Canadian Press, was first published June 23, 2025.
CTV News
17-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
B.C.'s biggest wildfire classified as ‘being held' thanks to recent rain
The Martin Lake fire burning northwest of Tatla Lake, B.C. is seen in this handout image on Monday, June 16, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO — BC Wildfire Service **MANDATORY CREDIT** Drenching rain has helped fire crews in British Columbia's northeast get a grip on the largest wildfire burning in the province. The BC Wildfire Service says the Pocket Knife Creek wildfire northwest of Fort. St. John is now classified as 'being held' and is not expected to grow outside its current perimeter. The service says about 100 millimetres of rain in recent days has hampered the fire's growth, and more wet weather is in the forecast this week. The wildfire merged with another fire earlier this month, becoming the largest in the province at more than 1,500 square kilometres. The remaining evacuation alerts related to the wildfire were rescinded Monday, but the Peace River Regional District said new orders or alerts may be issued if the situation changes. To the south, the Cariboo Regional District issued an evacuation alert for properties near a wildfire that is burning out of control in the central Interior. The Martin Lake fire was discovered Sunday and is burning about 220 kilometres west of Williams Lake. The district says the purpose of the alert is to allow people to prepare to evacuate should it be necessary as conditions could change quickly. The wildfire service says the blaze has grown to about 290 hectares in size, and crews and aviation resources are on site trying to limit its spread. It is one of about 100 wildfires burning in B.C., many of which are situated in the province's northeast. The service says most of those fires — including the Martin Lake blaze and the Pocket Creek wildfire — are believed to have been set off by lightning, while 21 per cent are suspected to be caused by humans. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2025.
