The Wildfire Management Branch is sending 31 firefighting personnel to the Yukon to aid in fire suppression efforts there. Ten three-person initial attack crews and one agency representative are leaving B.C. today and are expected to arrive in Whitehorse tonight.

The request for assistance was made through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, which co-ordinates the mutual sharing of firefighting resources between B.C. and other jurisdictions. All associated costs are covered by the jurisdiction that requests the resources.

Considering the current and forecasted fire situation in British Columbia, sufficient personnel and resources remain in the province to respond appropriately to any fire activity here. Crews can be deployed out-of-province for up to 19 days, but they can be recalled at any time.

Another 21 personnel, four fixed-wing aircraft and a helicopter are currently stationed in Alaska.

The 77 firefighters and one agency representative that are currently deployed in Alberta are expected to return home on Wednesday, June 24.

Quote:

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson -

“Firefighting resources from B.C. may be sent to other jurisdictions if conditions here allow it. We can also request assistance from our Canadian and international partners when necessary. This sharing of firefighting resources is mutually beneficial and we are pleased to assist our Yukon neighbours.”

Quick Facts:

• Initial attack crews are often the first firefighters to arrive at a wildfire site and are responsible for containing the fire at the smallest possible size. These rapid-response crews are self-sufficient and can remain on a fire for up to 24 hours without the need to replenish supplies.
• An agency representative acts as the link between deployed crews and B.C.’s Wildfire Management Branch.

Learn More:

For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions in B.C., visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

You can also follow the latest B.C. wildfire news:

• On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo 
• On Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Media Contacts:

Ryan Turcot
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
250 312-3051