Prince George, B.C. - While the Minister of Forests and Range, Pat Bell, will provide an update later this morning on the wildfire situation in the province, the Red Cross is sending out word it is prepared to assist those evacuees who are now heading back to their homes.

 

Red Cross Recovery Centres are currently set up in West Kelowna (2760 Cameron Street, Kelowna - 778-797-8802) and Lillooet (930 Main Street, Lillooet – 250-256-3069) on behalf of the Regional Districts to assist residents returning home after evacuation orders were lifted. Trained Red Cross Case Workers will conduct in-depth needs assessments and provide information on referrals to other organizations, guidance in situations where there may be gaps in assistance and advocacy to ensure that their basic needs are met.  

 

In addition, the Red Cross will continue to play a role, as requested to support immediate needs. Whether it is providing prepositioned supplies (hygiene kits, cots, blankets, etc) or mobilizing Red Cross volunteers to support Emergency Social Service operations, Red Cross is working with the local community to ensure needs are met. 

 

Earlier this month, the Canadian Red Cross and the Province of B.C. launched the B.C. Fire Information Line operated out of the TELUS Red Cross Call Centre in Burnaby. As of last night, the information line was closed due to a reduction in the number of calls it was receiving.

 

More than 100 Red Cross volunteers gave more than 1,225 hours of their time to that call line effort. The B.C. Fire Information Line received more than 2,350 calls.

 

Anyone wishing to make a donation to help those who may need assistance can do so

online at www.redcross.ca, by calling 1-800-418-1111, or by contacting their local Red Cross office.