Support for our members in wildfire-affected areas
July 23, 2024
As wildfires erupt across BC and other parts of the country, our union is committed to supporting you and your family during this extremely difficult time.
The health and well-being of yourself and your family is the top priority. Should an evacuation order occur, please take the necessary steps to keep you and your loved ones safe. If you have any concerns about how that will affect your work, you can contact your job steward once you have reached a safe place. We will be in communication with your employer during these situations and will update you accordingly.
The wildfires are also contributing to poor air quality in many parts of British Columbia and other areas. We urge you to be vigilant in protecting yourself from the harmful effects as well as be proactive in reporting to the appropriate party if you are suffering from any ill effects.
Where to find information on wildfires as well as evacuation orders
The BC government’s Wildfire Service website contains critical information and resource links related to wildfires, including the current wildfire situation, latest news, and fire bans and restrictions.
We encourage you to download the official BC Wildfire Service mobile app for free in the App Store and Google Play. The BC Wildfire Service App provides up-to-date wildfire information on your mobile phone, helping you stay informed about wildfires and wildfire-related events and conditions across BC.
You can find information on partial and full-scale provincial emergencies, including evacuation alerts, by visiting the EmergencyInfoBC website.
What to do if you feel ill?
If you feel ill while you are on the job, make sure to report it your employer and your Occupational Health & Safety Committee.
If you feel ill while at work, you can also consider submitting a report to WorkSafeBC.
Safety tips during poor air quality
To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, try to limit your exposure to poor air quality by avoiding outdoor exercise, especially in high-traffic areas, keeping windows and doors closed, and running air conditioners with the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean.
People with heart or lung disease, asthma, older adults, and children are more likely to be affected by smoke, so it is especially important for them to stay vigilant.
You can find more information on how to keep safe during wildfire smoke season from the BC Centre for Disease Control.
Helping our communities
If you are not in an area directly affected by wildfires but you would like to help support others who are being displaced, you can make a donation to the United Way BC’s Wildfire Recovery Fund. The fund provides immediate and long-term support to communities most affected by BC wildfires and goes towards addressing needs like food assistance, trauma, and mental health support.
Questions or concerns
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact a job steward in your area.
In solidarity,
Annette Toth, President
Brenda Chu, Secretary-Treasurer
Rysa Kronebusch, Vice-President, Utilities
Christy Slusarenko, Vice-President, Combined Units
