(Reuters) – The Canadian province of British Columbia on Friday extended a state of emergency by two weeks for a second time as it battled 122 fires that have forced as many as 45,000 people to flee their homes.

Since April 1, 840 fires across the province have charred an estimated 460,000 hectares (1.1 million acres) and destroyed 305 structures, officials said, including homes, sheds, barns, and commercial buildings. Some 115 burnt structures have not been identified.

The fires have cost the province C$188 million ($149.94 million) so far this fire season, its government has said.

While many evacuees have since been allowed back to their homes, British Columbia’s government said there were still 25 evacuation orders affecting about 7,100 people, and there were roughly 25,000 people under a less serious form of notice, an evacuation alert.

The state of emergency, which grants the authorities more powers, will be extended until Aug. 18, following a previous extension on July 19, the government said.

British Columbia has not declared a state of emergency since 2003.

Firefighters from Mexico and the United States were due to arrive in British Columbia this week to help tackle the flames.

Mexico will send 108 firefighters and the United States will send 27 to join a force of nearly 4,000 battling blazes that have shut sawmills and mines and forced thousands from their homes. It is so far the province’s third-worst fire season on record, based on area burnt.

British Columbia said on Friday it would provide each evacuee household with $600, which will be renewed every 14 days until they return to their homes.