July 10, 2017 - There are more than 200 active fires burning across British Columbia. The provincial government has declared a state of emergency throughout the province and many communities are under evacuation notice.

We have many members and retirees who live and/or work in the affected regions, including in 100 Mile House, Cache Creek, Williams Lake, Quesnel, Princeton, and Ashcroft. 
 
"As of our last update from Telus, all of our members are accounted for. Some of our members have been evacuated and the condition of their homes is not known at this time," said Lee Riggs, National President of USW Local 1944. "Our thoughts are with those affected by these wildfires and we thank the firefighters and emergency responders who are working to contain the fires and protect our homes. We also thank our members working behind the fire lines to ensure communication services are up and running."
 
The safety of our members is our top concern. Telus has assured us they have rigorous safety requirements in place, similar to the ones implemented last year in Fort McMurray.
 
If you wish to help the residents affected by the fires, please consider making a $10 mobile donation to the Canadian Red Cross to help with BC Wildfire relief. Just text FIRE to 45678. Telus will match donations up to $25,000. 
 
Our hearts and thoughts are with our members and all those affected by the wildfires across the province. 
 
In Solidarity,
 
United Steelworkers Local 1944