Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson issued the following statement in response to a July 10 incident involving a firefighting aircraft working on the Puntzi Lake wildfire:

“On the afternoon of July 10, 2015, an Air Tractor AT-802F Fire Boss amphibious airtanker working on the Punzti Lake wildfire in the Cariboo Fire Centre went down in Puntzi Lake.

“The pilot was able to exit the aircraft and was brought to shore. Initial indications are that he suffered no major injuries, but as a precaution was brought to hospital in Williams Lake for observation.

“Our thoughts are with the pilot and his family, and all of the other firefighting crews and aircraft personnel who are working on the Puntzi Lake wildfire and elsewhere in B.C.

“The Transportation Safety Board has been notified.

“The BC Wildfire Service has world-class safety protocols in place and the safety of our firefighting and aircraft crews is paramount. This incident is reminder of the dangers associated with fighting wildfires and the need for all British Columbians to do everything they can to help prevent wildfires.”

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261