41 Wildfire Management Branch personnel are leaving to help fight a large fire near Omak, Washington.

B.C. airtankers helped fight this fire yesterday. The state has now requested 41 of B.C.'s Type 1 personnel, consisting of two unit crews and one agency representative, due to the steep terrain where the fire is located.

The personnel are being deployed out-of-province through the Northwest Compact, an agreement among the western provinces, territories and states. All associated costs are covered by the jurisdiction requesting the resource.

Crews are leaving today and can be deployed for up to 19 days, but can be recalled at anytime should the situation in B.C. change. Sufficient personnel have been retained to manage current firefighting needs.

Contact:

Fionna Tollovsen
Provincial Fire Information Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 312-3051