Nearly 350 wildfires are burning across B.C.
And, for those who are being evacuated, a charity with a recreation centre in Coquitlam is offering a place to shower and rest.
The YMCA is providing free access to its health, fitness and aquatic facilities in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Kamloops and Prince George to B.C. residents and families forced to flee their homes.
This includes the Bettie Allard YMCA in Burquitlam — located at 555 Emerson St.
To get in at no cost, evacuees can bring a valid photo ID with their address to:
- have a shower
- workout
- go for a swim
- take part in drop-in programs
- relax and connect with others
"Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the wildfires," said Heidi Worthington, president and CEO of YMCA BC, in a news release.
"The YMCA has always been a vital part of our communities' health and wellness. In times like these, it's more important than ever for us to come together and provide the necessary resources and support to help our neighbours get through these challenging times."
Spokesperson Oliver Lam told the Tri-City News that, so far this year, no wildfire evacuees have used the Bettie Allard YMCA.
The other YMCAs in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley are located at:
- Robert Lee YMCA
- 955 Burrard St., Vancouver
- Langara Family YMCA
- 282 West 49th Ave., Vancouver
- Tong Louie Family YMCA
- 14988 57th Ave., Surrey
- Bob Chan–Kent Family YCMA
- 45844 Hocking Ave., Chilliwack
- Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre
- 1-9145 Corbould St., Chilliwack
- Cheam Leisure Centre
- 45501 Market Way, Chilliwack
Today, July 30, provincial ministers in charge of emergency management and forests will give an update on the wildfire situation following Monday’s rain and cooler temperatures across B.C.
More than 1,500 personnel from across the world are fighting wildfires across the province.
Here are some tips from the City of Coquitlam to “fire-proof” your home:
- keep combustible materials at least 1.5 m from your home, and piles of firewood at least 10 m away
- ensure your roof and gutters free of leaves and pine needles, and prune all branches that hang over the roof
- choose fire-safe vegetation, and space it so that there is no continuous line of vegetation leading to your structure
- remove all dead/dry vegetation and trim tree limbs two to three metres from the ground
- choose non-combustible roofing, building and landscape materials
- know where the gas, electric and water shut-offs are in your home, and have a wildfire escape plan in place
