Lauren Collins

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Kookipi Creek wildfire, near Boston Bar, Boothroyd and Nahatlach Lake. Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma and Forests Minister Bruce Ralston provided the latest update on the wildfire and drought siuation in the province Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. (BC Wildfire Service/Facebook)

Disaster relief available for communities impacted by 2023 B.C. wildfires

It comes as more than 2.2 million hectares have burned in the province since April 1

Kookipi Creek wildfire, near Boston Bar, Boothroyd and Nahatlach Lake. Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma and Forests Minister Bruce Ralston provided the latest update on the wildfire and drought siuation in the province Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. (BC Wildfire Service/Facebook)
Mental Health Minister Jennifer Whiteside speaking in Surrey May 5, 2023. Whiteside announced the province would be funding $3 million over the next three years toward the YMCA B.C.’s Y Mind and Mind Medicine programs for people aged 13 to 30 to learn strategies to cope with stress and anxiety (Photo: Anna Burns)

B.C. funding $3M toward YMCA mental health program in 30 communities

Y Mind is aimed at teaching people strategies to cope with stress and anxiety

Mental Health Minister Jennifer Whiteside speaking in Surrey May 5, 2023. Whiteside announced the province would be funding $3 million over the next three years toward the YMCA B.C.’s Y Mind and Mind Medicine programs for people aged 13 to 30 to learn strategies to cope with stress and anxiety (Photo: Anna Burns)
A Vancouver Police Department patch is seen on an officer’s uniform in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver on January 9, 2021. Vancouver Police say two people have been charged in what they say was a “brazen and violent” home invasion Aug. 24, 2023 that left a grandmother injured and nine teens “badly shaken.” THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Man, teen charged in ‘violent’ Vancouver home invasion that left grandma injured

17-year-old from Vancouver was also apprehended, but later released

A Vancouver Police Department patch is seen on an officer’s uniform in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver on January 9, 2021. Vancouver Police say two people have been charged in what they say was a “brazen and violent” home invasion Aug. 24, 2023 that left a grandmother injured and nine teens “badly shaken.” THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
There are 66 firefighters responding to the Upper Park Rill wildfire, including two danger tree fallers. While B.C. isn’t yet in the clear for this wildfire season, the BC Wildfire Service’s operations director says the agency is already starting to plan out what the fall and next season could look like. (BC Wildfire Service)

BC Wildfire Service already planning for the fall, next season

Crews will be ready to respond for off-season hazards, if needed

There are 66 firefighters responding to the Upper Park Rill wildfire, including two danger tree fallers. While B.C. isn’t yet in the clear for this wildfire season, the BC Wildfire Service’s operations director says the agency is already starting to plan out what the fall and next season could look like. (BC Wildfire Service)
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, 2019. (Black Press Media files)

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park to stay open over Labour Day weekend

It will then be inaccessible starting Sept. 5 as the province, Lil’wat Nation have ongoing talks

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, 2019. (Black Press Media files)
This undated photo provided by NOAA Fisheries shows a yelloweye rockfish. Fisheries and Oceans Canada says conservation and protection officers are concerned about what they claim is “rampant illegal fishing” of rockfish populations in Metro Vancouver. (NOAA Fisheries via AP)

‘Rampant illegal fishing’ near Vancouver compromising rockfish populations: DFO

Rockfish Conservation Areas are closed to all fishing for finfish

This undated photo provided by NOAA Fisheries shows a yelloweye rockfish. Fisheries and Oceans Canada says conservation and protection officers are concerned about what they claim is “rampant illegal fishing” of rockfish populations in Metro Vancouver. (NOAA Fisheries via AP)
An orphaned black bear cub is recovering after being injured in wildfires in the Shuswap area. BC Conservation Officer Service said the bear was first spotted in the Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw First Nation community near Chase. (BCCOS)

Orphaned black bear rescued in Shuswap area now recovering in Smithers

BC Conservation Officer Service says bear’s sibling was put down due to severe injuries

An orphaned black bear cub is recovering after being injured in wildfires in the Shuswap area. BC Conservation Officer Service said the bear was first spotted in the Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw First Nation community near Chase. (BCCOS)
The RCMP logo is seen outside Royal Canadian Mounted Police “E” Division Headquarters, in Surrey, B.C., on Fri, April 13, 2018. Prince George RCMP say 23-year-old Zain Wood has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of a 22-year-old woman Thursday (Aug. 31, 2023). THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Man charged in homicide of 22-year-old Prince George woman: RCMP

Zain Wood, 23, charged with 1st-degree murder

The RCMP logo is seen outside Royal Canadian Mounted Police “E” Division Headquarters, in Surrey, B.C., on Fri, April 13, 2018. Prince George RCMP say 23-year-old Zain Wood has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of a 22-year-old woman Thursday (Aug. 31, 2023). THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
A North Shuswap resident attempts to control a spot fire left in the wake of the Bush Creek East wildfire that spread through the area Friday night, Aug. 18, 2023. (Angela Lagore photo)

BC Wildfire officials to look at off-season prevention alongside communities

Operations director says BCWS willing to learn, adapt in a year of challenges

A North Shuswap resident attempts to control a spot fire left in the wake of the Bush Creek East wildfire that spread through the area Friday night, Aug. 18, 2023. (Angela Lagore photo)
Hot spots from the Lower East Adams Lake wildfire burn in Scotch Creek, B.C., on Sunday, August 20, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

B.C. extends state of emergency by 2 weeks to due wildfires, drought

27 of 34 water basins are at the highest drought levels

Hot spots from the Lower East Adams Lake wildfire burn in Scotch Creek, B.C., on Sunday, August 20, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
A grizzly bear that was relocated from Squamish in September 2020 was found dead in the Squamish River on Aug. 10, 2023, BC Conservation Officer Service says. It was illegally killed and believed to have been dragged to the river for disposal. (BCCOS)

Grizzly bear shot and killed, dragged into Squamish River

BC Conservation Officer Service says the bear was relocated from Squamish in 2020

A grizzly bear that was relocated from Squamish in September 2020 was found dead in the Squamish River on Aug. 10, 2023, BC Conservation Officer Service says. It was illegally killed and believed to have been dragged to the river for disposal. (BCCOS)
Vancouver Police Department Deputy Chief Const. Fiona Wilson speaks at VPD headquarters Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023 to give media an update on a string of sexual assault cold cases dating back to Canada Day 2009. Vancouver resident Arturo Garcia Gorjon, 45, is facing four counts of sexual assault for incidents between July 1, 2009 and Dec. 24, 2010. (Lauren Collins)

B.C. man, 45, charged in major breakthrough to decade-old sex assaults

Vancouver Police say the first attack dates back to Canada Day 2009

Vancouver Police Department Deputy Chief Const. Fiona Wilson speaks at VPD headquarters Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023 to give media an update on a string of sexual assault cold cases dating back to Canada Day 2009. Vancouver resident Arturo Garcia Gorjon, 45, is facing four counts of sexual assault for incidents between July 1, 2009 and Dec. 24, 2010. (Lauren Collins)
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry looks on as Health Minister Adrian Dix speaks during a press conference at provincial legislature in Victoria, Aug. 23, 2021. Dix and Henry are confirming the province’s first case of a new COVID-19 variant in the province as of Aug. 29, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

B.C. confirms 1st case of new COVID variant

Province says a person in Fraser Health has been infected with the BA.2.86 variant of Omicron

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry looks on as Health Minister Adrian Dix speaks during a press conference at provincial legislature in Victoria, Aug. 23, 2021. Dix and Henry are confirming the province’s first case of a new COVID-19 variant in the province as of Aug. 29, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
People march along Powell Street in Vancouver on April 14, 2023 during an event to mark the seventh anniversary of the toxic drug crisis in B.C. The province said Aug. 23, 2023 that at least 198 people died in July due to toxic drug poisonings and there have been 1,455 deaths in the first seven months of the year. (Photo: Lauren Collins)

198 people died in B.C. in July due to toxic drug poisonings

The latest data comes just 2 days before International Overdose Awareness Day

People march along Powell Street in Vancouver on April 14, 2023 during an event to mark the seventh anniversary of the toxic drug crisis in B.C. The province said Aug. 23, 2023 that at least 198 people died in July due to toxic drug poisonings and there have been 1,455 deaths in the first seven months of the year. (Photo: Lauren Collins)
Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon has reopened Aug. 29, 2023 after it was closed for more than a week because of the Kookipi Creek wildfire, which is estimated to be 16,961 hectares as of Aug. 29, 2023. (BC Wildfire Service)

Highway 1 reopens through the Fraser Canyon after wildfire closure

Kookipi Creek wildfire nearly 17,000 hectares

Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon has reopened Aug. 29, 2023 after it was closed for more than a week because of the Kookipi Creek wildfire, which is estimated to be 16,961 hectares as of Aug. 29, 2023. (BC Wildfire Service)
Wildfire evacuees Warren Pullen, left, and veteran Rob Pullen sit outside their trailer in the parking lot at an evacuation centre, in Kelowna, B.C., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)

Mental health supports available for British Columbians impacted by wildfires

Disaster Psychological Support team deployed through B.C.’s Emergency Management program

Wildfire evacuees Warren Pullen, left, and veteran Rob Pullen sit outside their trailer in the parking lot at an evacuation centre, in Kelowna, B.C., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)
Canada is again sanctioning more Russians accused of supporting the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, with a focus on banks, defence companies and the nuclear sector. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is announcing a dealings ban for four Russians and 29 entities. Joly speaks to reporters, in Charlottetown, Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

Joly heads to 3 eastern European countries as Canada tries for more UN presence

Her trip to Slovenia, North Macedonia, Albania follows a commitment by NATO military alliance members

Canada is again sanctioning more Russians accused of supporting the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, with a focus on banks, defence companies and the nuclear sector. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is announcing a dealings ban for four Russians and 29 entities. Joly speaks to reporters, in Charlottetown, Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese
BC Wildfire Service said the Little Blue River wildfire is located west of Highway 37, approximately 40 kilometres north of Good Hope Lake and 40 kilometres south of the Yukon border. It is 36,501.8 hectares as of Aug. 25, and it was first discovered on July 26. (BC Wildfire Service)

UPDATE: Province issues evacuation order for wildfire near B.C.-Yukon border

DriveBC says Highway 37 single-lane, alternating traffic, but could close at short notice

BC Wildfire Service said the Little Blue River wildfire is located west of Highway 37, approximately 40 kilometres north of Good Hope Lake and 40 kilometres south of the Yukon border. It is 36,501.8 hectares as of Aug. 25, and it was first discovered on July 26. (BC Wildfire Service)
Dr. Melissa Lem, a Vancouver physician and president of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, speaks outside Premier David Eby’s Vancouver constituency office Thursday (Aug. 24). The association was calling on the province to put a moratorium on future LNG projects, citing the risks associated with climate change. (Lauren Collins)

Doctors, nurses want B.C. to limit wildfire, climate impacts of LNG industry

Group gathered outside Premier David Eby’s office call for moratorium on future LNG projects

Dr. Melissa Lem, a Vancouver physician and president of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, speaks outside Premier David Eby’s Vancouver constituency office Thursday (Aug. 24). The association was calling on the province to put a moratorium on future LNG projects, citing the risks associated with climate change. (Lauren Collins)
BC Wildfire Service wildland firefighters work the Bush Creek East wildfire in the Shuswap. (BCWS image)

B.C. wildfires fuelling conspiracy theories

UBC expert says traumatic events can lead people to conspiracies to try and make sense of what’s happening

BC Wildfire Service wildland firefighters work the Bush Creek East wildfire in the Shuswap. (BCWS image)