"All hands on deck": Efforts underway in support of B.C. wildfires

More than 45,000 people have been evacuated from their homes due to hundreds of active B.C. wildfires, that have burned more than 200,000 hectares.

​Our thoughts are with the more than 45,000 people who have been evacuated from their homes due to hundreds of active wildfires burning in British Columbia, which have already burned more than 200,000 hectares (2,000 square km or 772 square miles).

The wildfires are recognized as one of the largest displacement events in the province’s history.

“We live and work in B.C. and therefore it is critical to us that we extend a hand and support our friends, stakeholders, Indigenous groups, and all those affected during this difficult time,” said Jaimie Harding, Manager of Community Investment.

TransCanada has taken the steps to ensure the safety of our people as well as assets, which are not in danger of the immediate wildfire areas. But our efforts won’t stop there. Some of the communities threatened by the fires are not far from TransCanada's office in Prince George and near our proposed project right-of-way, our regional staff have stepped up to offer our company's support.

First responders and volunteers working around the clock

There are currently 2,900 local firefighters working to put out the fires, with firefighters coming from other provinces and as far as Australia to help, and over 200 aircraft have been deployed.

RCMP from around the province are carrying out evacuation orders, protecting the homes of evacuees, and the evacuation centres.

Hundreds of volunteers, working 24 hours a day, are stationed at the evacuation centres located in Prince George and Kamloops.

"It's all hands on deck. Thousands of evacuees are being supported by volunteers, community organizations, and individuals offering to help however they can." – Kiel Giddens, TransCanada B.C. Land, Community and Aboriginal Relations Liaison

Donations help B.C. communities

At this time, financial donations to the Red Cross are the most valuable action you can take to help while authorities respond to the fires and provide immediate relief, such as cots, blankets, family reunification and financial assistance for food, clothing and personal needs.

To date, TransCanada and its employees have donated $15,000 to the Canadian Red Cross fire relief fund through the company's Empower program.

"We can't thank you enough for your donation" said Prince George Mayor Lyn Hall. "It will certainly be welcomed and put to use right away."

Learn more

For more information on the wildfires, as well as more ways to support relief efforts, visit the following websites:

• Government of British Columbia| Gov.BC.ca: Wildfire Status
• Canadian Red Cross| RedCross.ca