UPDATE: PRRD to provide temporary electric fencing for wildfire damage

UPDATE: Information about the PRRD providing support to farmers whose fences were damaged due to wildfires has been added to the story.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is providing temporary electric fencing for those whose fences were lost or damaged due to the recent wildfires.

Residents who require more information or would like to arrange for the pickup of fencing are asked to contact Thomas Stahl at 250-793-8982.

Last week, the PRRD asked farmers and ranchers to report any damage to their fences caused by recent wildfires. 

According to its website, the PRRD is reaching out to the Ministry of Agriculture to obtain support for farmers and ranches throughout the region who lost fences as a result of wildfire damage. The Fort St. John Chamber of Commerce wrote a letter to the ministry last Wednesday, asking the province to provide funding as well.

Farmers and ranchers are asked to provide basic contact information, along with the amount of fence lost (in metres), the type of livestock kept on their property, and a description of loss and impact. The PRRD recommends farmers and ranchers take photos of the damage as well and keep receipts from costs accumulated while making repairs, should retroactive funding become available. 

Although the PRRD is lobbying for support, there is no guarantee an AgriRecovery program will be put in place. 

Farmers and ranchers can report damage to the PRRD by calling 250-219-5210 or by emailing emergency-info@prrd.bc.ca.