Province financially helping local government, indigenous communities affected by wildfires

Smoke from a wildfire is shown crossing a road in British Columbia in this undated handout image provided by the BC Wildfire Service. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-BC Wildfire Service (FILE)

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FORT ST. JOHN -- The B.C. government is providing financial help to local governments and indigenous communities affected by the wildfires.

According to their press release, Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) is now available for local governments and First Nations in regions that have been adversely affected by wildfires this season. It aims to help community authorities cover disaster-related losses that are not covered by insurance, such as wildfire damage to public infrastructure, including roads, bridges and other publicly owned infrastructure.

This list encompasses all regional districts where public damage due to wildfire has been reported. The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and Peace River Regional District are included in that list. It will also include the Doig River First Nation, Fort Nelson First Nation, Kaska Nation, Prophet River First Nation, Blueberry River First Nations, Halfway River First Nation and West Moberly First Nations.

First Nations communities and local governments can submit a local government DFA application. The application deadline will be 90 days after the end date of the event, which is still to be determined.

People who have been affected by wildfires are encouraged to contact their insurance representative as it may be covered by standard home and business insurance policies.