Premier David Eby used his second visit this summer to wildfire-stricken areas in the southern Interior Sept. 11 to announce an expert task force on climate-related emergencies. While the current focus remains on fighting existing wildfires as well as helping communities deal with drought conditions, government must also enhance its responses to the “near-constant series of emergencies” caused by climate change, Eby said, pointing to the possibility of landslides and severe flooding later in the fall. Eby said the task force will look at how government can simultaneously support front line crews and apply lessons from their experiences in preparing for future emergencies. …The task force announcement comes amidst calls for a third-party review of the 2023 wildfire season and before promised updates to provincial emergency legislation. …Eby pointed to Australia as place of study for lessons, where authorities have been incorporating experienced volunteers into frontline firefighting efforts.

Government of BC Press Release: Premier’s statement on launch of expert task force on emergencies