B.C. Coroner investigating 3 potential heat-related deaths

The B.C. Coroners Service is investigating whether excessive heat was a factor in three recent deaths.

All three deaths were reported sometime this summer, according to Ryan Stanton, the BCCSmanager of strategic communications and media relations. He stressed that "the information is preliminary and subject to change as our work continues and investigations are completed."

No specifics, including the age of the deceased or their locations, have been released.

An early heat wave in May, followed by above-average temperatures in June and July, has led to the issuing of multiple heat warnings across the province, along with a record wildfire season.

The dangers of excessive heat were brought into sharp focus after 619 people died in the 2021 B.C. heat dome.

The elderly andthose with low incomesor suffering from chronic medical conditions were found to be the most at risk during the June 25to July 1event that sawtemperatures spikewell above 40 C in many B.C. communities, including the village ofLytton,which registered the hottest temperature ever in Canada at 49.6 C before burning to the ground in a wildfire the following day.

With global warming driving increased instances of extreme heat, public bodies are being forced to react to the knock-on dangerous health effects and infrastructure deficiencies.

A recentstudy by the Canadian Climate Institutesaid extreme heat could kill 1,370 people and send 6,000 to hospital each yearby 2030 if B.C. doesn't adapt its essential infrastructure.

It also found intense heat waves could cost the province around $100 million in health care and more than $12 billion in life lost annually over the same time frame.

Last month the province announced a $10 million program to provide 8,000 free air conditioners to elderly, vulnerable and low-income residents in British Columbia. The program will beadministered by B.C. Hydro starting this year and lasting for three years.

Last year the B.C. Coroners Service reported 16heat-related deaths during a nine-day heat wave from July 26 to Aug. 3.