Forest Fires Ravage the Interior

The recent warm dry weather has accelerated the fire season in BC considerably.  There are at least 2 significant wildfires affecting various parts of our province.

1.  The Tyaughton Lake fire is affecting over 6000 hectares and spans over 60 kms.  The strong afternoon winds have created some aggressive fire conditions.  Evacuation orders have been issued for Marshall Lake, Liza Lake, Carol Lake, Mud Creek, Tyaughton Lake and Gun Creek Road.

The evacuation alert remains in place for Gun Lake, Gold Bridge and Bralorne.  The focus on this particular fire is to protect lives, homes and properties.

2. The Smith River Fire There is an evacuation alert in place for the communities of Fireside, Coal River and Muddy River Indian Reserve #1. The priorities are to keep the fire off the highway and away from structures by setting up containment lines.



The reason for the size shift is due to more accurate mapping from the air. The fire is still growing but at a slower rate.


Crews are continuing to work along the highway. Due to storms activity Monday night (June 8) and erratic winds fire size did increase.


Burn-off procedures have been started on the west side of the fire in order to increase the fuel free guard between the fire and the communities and highway.


The surrounding topography will be used to break the burn up into managable sizes.


The fire did see storm activity last night which put rains on the east flank allowing them to decrease in fire activity, where as the west flank only recieved winds.


Due to increase in smoke the highway will be monitored and short closures may occur due to fire activity. All efforts are being used to try and keep the highway open but will be closed in the event that it is unsafe to drive. The closure will occur between Fireside and Liard Hotsprings, should it occur. Delays can be expected still. Smoke is heavy in local areas.

We have several specific prayer points for you. 
1.  Please pray for the protection of everyone involved in fighting these fires.  This includes ground crews, flight crews and heavy equipment operators.

2.  Please pray that the Lord would protect the properties and homes of those who have been evacuated from their communities and that they would emerge safe and unscathed by the fires that surround them.

3.  The answer to this situation is rain.  While we all enjoy the sunshine, the reality is that a few days of rain would change the situation dramatically and allow firefighters to gain an upper hand on these fires.  We know that in response to the prayers of one man, God sent rain that ended a 3 year drought.  We know that God is able to change and interrupt weather patterns so that lives, homes and trees will be saved.

Mill Closures in North Thompson

We've just received word that Canfor has announced the closure of it's mill in Vavenby as of July 15.  Many families will be affected as will the communities of Vavenby, Clearwater and many others. 

Lord, we pray for those who have received this upsetting news today.  We realize that there are many factors that lead to these decisions and that none of them are easy.  We pray first of all that Your peace would surround those who will be affected by this closure. Minister to husbands and fathers who are concerned about provision.  Minister to women and mothers who are concerned about stability and security.  Most of all, Lord we ask that You would be their provider and sustainer.  Walk with them through this valley and time we pray.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Touching Your Town With PrayBC

Question Period always leaves me with the very clear sense of the complexity of governance and leadership in BC. Our diversity means that our challenges and concerns are as varied as our geography and climate. What matters in Vancouver is rarely the same thing that matters in Dawson Creek, Cranbrook, Kamloops or Terrace.
Because everyone matters, we have created a unique way to share the concerns that affect your community with the PrayBC Prayer Network. There is a new Current Issues page on the PrayBC website where we will be posting prayer requests and issues that affect your community and region.
We need your help to make this work effectively. If you feel that there is something happening in your region that requires prayer, email your concern and any related information to blog@praybc.com. We will get in touch with you and do our best to have as many people as possible praying about what concerns your community. Our goal is make our website a source of credible prayer information and resources.
You can visit our site at www.praybc.com