Construction of the new $2-million Arrow Fire Zone Primary Attack Base is now complete, bringing wildfire staff and equipment into one location.

The two-storey, 540-square-metre (5,800-square-foot) fire base is strategically located near a major intersection on Highway 3A. The new building will be occupied by 65 seasonal Wildfire Management Branch staff, including six initial attack crews, two unit crews, six officers and one operations assistant. The building replaces the offices that burned down in 2005.

The facility incorporates LEED design standards, such as utilizing solar energy and pine beetle-killed wood pellets for heating and production of hot water. The building also reflects the Province's Wood First policy that requires wood be the primary building material in provincially-funded buildings.

Quick Facts:

• There are currently no open burning restrictions within the Southeast Fire Centre's jurisdiction; however, the public is urged to be extremely cautious when using fire outdoors. Continue to check http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp for the latest on burning restrictions.
• Since April 1, fire crews have responded to 13 wildfires in the Southeast Fire Centre, with a provincial total of 142 wildfires.
• To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call *5555 on your cellphone or 1 800 663-5555.

Learn More:

For the latest information on fire activity, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website at: www.bcwildfire.ca

You can also follow us:

On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/BCGovFireInfo

On Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Media Contacts:

Cheekwan Ho
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261

Karlie Shaughnessey
Fire Information Officer
Southeast Fire Centre
250 365-4014 (office)
250 304-8352 (cell)