B.C. wildfire personnel head to Alaska
By Trail Champion
The Wildfire Management Branch is sending personnel and resources to Alaska to aid in fire suppression efforts, Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson announced today.
“B.C.’s wildland firefighters are recognized as the world’s best,” Thomson said. “We’re pleased to be able to lend assistance to other jurisdictions when we are able.”
One tanker group, which consists of two airtankers and one birddog plane, has been deployed to Palmer. Two three-person rappel crews also were deployed to Tok earlier today.
Considering the current and forecasted provincial fire situation, sufficient personnel and resources remain in B.C. to respond appropriately to any fire activity. Crews can be deployed for up to 19 days, but can be recalled at any time.
This is the second out-of-province deployment this year. The request for assistance was made through the Northwest Compact Agreement, which allows for mutual resource sharing with Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Alberta and Saskatchewan. All associated costs are covered by the jurisdiction requesting the resources.
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