BC has nearly 400 wildfires raging across the province with more every day, proving this season to be “one of the most challenging and persistent on record”, according to Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.
At this point, BC cannot handle the wildfires on its own and is receiving aid from other provinces, Mexico, the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
“Although we are still early in the fire season, it has already proven to be a difficult time for communities, First Nations, people living in the affected areas and BC Wildfire Service firefighters,” said Ma in a statement.
“Our firefighting crews and emergency management personnel have done an incredible job keeping people safe. We know that the road ahead of us is long, complex and challenging.”
Last week, Ma made a request to the feds for assistance in fighting the out of control wildfire situation and the request was swiftly approved, allowing the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to step in and assist in the fight.
“The Canadian Armed Forces will be directly involved with fighting fires, and will provide two helicopters and one Hercules aircraft for mobility and logistical tasks, including evacuation of isolated communities and planning and co-ordination support,” said Ma.
CAF personnel are coming to BC from across the country now to aid in planning, operations as well as hands-on firefighting.
“Plans are underway to deploy the first company of soldiers from the Canadian Forces Base Edmonton to the Burns Lake area, in the Northwest Fire Centre, and the second to Vanderhoof, at the Prince George Fire Centre,” Ma explained.
The CAF will now join 2,000 BC Wildfire Service workers and over 350 international firefighters in efforts to save what has not yet been destroyed by this detrimental wildfire season.
